Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae announced Monday she will dissolve the lower house of Parliament on Friday, setting up a snap election for February 8—nearly three years ahead of schedule. The bold political move aims to capitalize on her surging popularity and secure a stronger mandate for her conservative agenda.
Takaichi, who became Japan’s first female prime minister in October, said the decision was “very difficult” but necessary to let the people decide directly whether she should lead the country. “The only option is for the people, as sovereign citizens, to decide,” she stated at a press conference in Tokyo.
Her gamble comes at a moment of high personal approval, with recent polls showing nearly 80 percent of the public supporting her leadership. However, her party—the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)—lags far behind, holding steady at just 30 percent approval.
Takaichi rose to power after former Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru resigned in September amid economic discontent and a corruption scandal. She quickly restructured the LDP’s coalition, dropping longtime ally Komeito for the nationalist-leaning Japan Innovation Party (Ishin). Komeito, a center-left religious party, objected to her pro-defense stance and immigration controls.
Despite LDP’s fragile position in the National Diet, Takaichi’s decision to hold Japan’s first winter election in 36 years could allow her to transfer some of her popularity to the party, avoiding the compromises required by coalition politics.
Markets responded enthusiastically to the announcement, with Japanese stock indexes reaching record highs. Investors are betting on Takaichi’s economic program, which includes tax cuts, energy subsidies, and targeted stimulus. She proposed Monday to suspend the consumption tax on food and beverages for two years, aimed at relieving burdens on low- and middle-income households.
Takaichi has also gained support for her unapologetically tough stance against China, including public statements in support of Taiwan. While some diplomats feared backlash, Japanese voters appear to have embraced her assertiveness.
The LDP now faces an uphill battle. Komeito has joined forces with the Constitutional Democratic Party to form a moderate alternative, and Ishin’s ability to deliver votes remains untested. But with Takaichi’s energy, youth, and direct style, she is reshaping the image of Japanese leadership.
