News|PoliticsJapan’s new PM Takaichi eyes parliament dissolution for snap polls: ReportCountry’s first female prime minister hopes a bigger majority will help her implement her political and fiscal agenda.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has indicated her intention to dissolve the lower house of parliament next week. This announcement comes less than three months into her tenure.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has indicated her intention to dissolve the lower house of parliament next week. This announcement comes less than three months into her tenure.
According to reports, Takaichi plans to declare the dissolution at the beginning of the regular session of the Diet on Mon, Jan 23, 2026. This decision could lead to snap elections in Japan, the world’s fourth-largest economy, with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) aiming to increase its parliamentary seats.
An early election, supported by the Takaichi cabinet’s high approval ratings, could strengthen the majority held by the ruling coalition of the LDP and the Japan Innovation Party in the lower house.
It has been reported that Takaichi is considering dissolving the lower chamber on Wed, Jan 17, 2026, for a potential snap election on either Thu, Feb 8, 2026, or Thu, Feb 15, 2026. This move could facilitate the implementation of her agenda, focusing on increased fiscal spending and enhanced intelligence capabilities.
As of now, Takaichi has not publicly commented on the potential early election. The ruling coalition and the LDP have also refrained from making any official statements regarding this report.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has indicated her intention to dissolve the lower house of parliament next week.
Opposition leaders from the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and Komeito have expressed intentions to collaborate more closely in response to potential snap polls.
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, right, escorts South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at the start of their meeting in Nara, Japan, on Mon, Jan 13, 2026 [Issei Kato/Pool via AFP]
Concerns were raised by the Democratic Party for the People leader, Tamaki Yuichiro, about potential impacts on the fiscal budget if the lower house is dissolved before its approval.
Prime Minister Takaichi is expected to make a final decision on snap elections while considering her diplomatic schedule. Recently, she hosted South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in her hometown of Nara for discussions on security and economic ties.
On Tue, Japan's stock market saw a rise of over 3 percent amidst speculation about potential snap elections, which could leverage favorable poll numbers.
A decisive mandate for Takaichi and the LDP might also influence diplomatic tensions with China. Relations have been strained following Takaichi's remarks about potential military intervention concerning Taiwan. In response, China has implemented export restrictions on "dual-use" goods and rare-earth products.
Japan last conducted general elections in Oct 2024, where the LDP lost its majority under former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Ishiba's resignation subsequently led to Takaichi's historic election as Japan’s first female prime minister in Oct 2025.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.