Japan Innovation Party co-leader Hirofumi Yoshimura says Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's thinking on a February snap election has 'shifted to a new stage,' boosting momentum to solidify the ruling coalition's slim Lower House majority.
Japan Innovation Party (JIP) co-leader Hirofumi Yoshimura, governor of Osaka Prefecture, indicated growing momentum for a snap election after discussing with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday. In an NHK interview aired Sunday, he said her thinking has 'shifted to a new stage.'
This follows a Yomiuri Shimbun report Friday citing government sources, which outlined potential Lower House dissolution for polls on February 8 or 15, 2026. Timelines include an announcement January 27 for February 8, or February 3 for February 15, just after the regular parliamentary session begins January 23.
Takaichi, Japan's first female prime minister since October, enjoys soaring approval ratings fueled by her tough stance on China—including warnings of existential threat from a potential attack on Taiwan—which sparked major diplomatic tensions with Beijing. Her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and JIP coalition holds a fragile majority in the Lower House but a minority in the Upper House.
The snap poll aims to secure a stronger mandate for key issues, including China-Japan relations.