Campaigning kicks off for Japan's February 8 lower house election

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Campaigning for Japan's lower house election began on January 27, 2026—four days after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi dissolved the house—with Takaichi vowing to resign if her ruling coalition loses its majority. The February 8 vote occurs amid realigned opposition forces, with key issues centering on coalition support and economic relief from inflation.

Nationwide campaigning for the 51st House of Representatives election started on January 27, 2026, following the unprecedented January dissolution and ahead of voting on February 8. Takaichi's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)-Japan Innovation Party (JIP) coalition faces the new Centrist Reform Alliance (CRA), formed by the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP) and former partner Komeito.

Takaichi pledged to step down immediately if the coalition does not secure a lower house majority. Voter priorities include backing for the revamped ruling bloc and policies to combat rising prices and taxes, amid the shortest postwar campaign period of 16 days.

Candidate registrations continue as the election underscores major shifts in Japan's political alliances.

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Busy Tokyo street scene of election campaign kickoff, with noisy trucks, politicians, stressed officials, and annoyed studying students.
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The 12-day campaigning period for Japan's February 8, 2026, lower house election kicked off on January 27. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's abrupt dissolution has left just 16 days—the shortest in recent history—for preparations, straining municipalities while students worry about noisy campaigns disrupting entrance exams.

Lower house dissolved for February 8 election

On January 23, 2026, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi dissolved Japan's House of Representatives, paving the way for a snap election on February 8. The move, the shortest campaign period in postwar history at 16 days, seeks public endorsement for her ruling coalition. Opposition parties have united to challenge on issues like economic policies and defense enhancements.

Parties, businesses rush for Japan's shortest election campaign

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One day after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi dissolved Japan's lower house, political parties and election businesses are accelerating preparations for the February 8 vote—the shortest 16-day campaign since World War II.

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Japan's Nikkei share average rallied ahead of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's snap lower house election on February 8, driven by a weaker yen and positive polls for her Liberal Democratic Party. Voters are prioritizing inflation countermeasures, while an AI-doctored campaign video has raised concerns over electoral fairness.

Uncertainty clouds Takaichi's effort to reclaim conservative votes

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When Sanae Takaichi was elected Liberal Democratic Party president and prime minister, expectations were high that she would reclaim conservative votes lost under her more liberal predecessor. However, as the upcoming Lower House election approaches, it is increasingly uncertain whether those votes will return to the LDP. Despite Takaichi's high personal approval ratings, they have not boosted the party's support as hoped, with aggressive campaigns by smaller conservative parties potentially splitting the vote.

Multiparty politics demands ruling-opposition cooperation for future generations

An era of multiparty politics has arrived in Japan, where no single party can form a government alone. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's cabinet, launched two and a half months ago, maintains high approval ratings thanks to anti-inflation measures and active diplomacy. Yet, cooperation with opposition parties is crucial to pass key legislation and tackle long-term challenges.

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A bill to reduce seats in Japan's House of Representatives appears unlikely to pass during the current extraordinary Diet session. Strong opposition from parties has left insufficient time for deliberations. Ruling coalition leaders have not ruled out extending the session, but upper house cooperation is essential.

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