Japan's first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is considering dissolving the lower house for a snap election in early February. According to the Yomiuri newspaper, the move aims to capitalize on her strong approval ratings since taking office in October. Her tough stance on China has appealed to right-wing voters but ignited a major diplomatic row with the Asian neighbor.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has begun considering dissolving the House of Representatives at the start of the regular Diet session on January 23, paving the way for a lower house election in early to mid-February. The Yomiuri Shimbun reported on January 10, citing government sources, that potential election dates include February 8 and 15.
Takaichi, who became Japan's first female prime minister in October, enjoys strong approval ratings and seeks to leverage them to solidify her administration. Her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is in a coalition with the right-wing Nippon Ishin no Kai, but the partnership falls a few seats short of a majority in the lower house. With the coalition holding a minority in the House of Councillors, Takaichi aims to build momentum for policy implementation.
Her tough stance on China has bolstered support among right-wing voters. Late last year, Takaichi remarked that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could pose an existential threat to Japan, sparking the biggest dispute with Beijing in over a decade. China claims the democratically governed island as its territory, a claim rejected by Taipei. In response, China has advised its citizens against traveling to Japan, canceled meetings and events, and banned exports of dual-use items to Japan's military, among other measures.
The dollar strengthened against the yen following the report. If held, the election could shape the trajectory of Takaichi's government.