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.
The dissolution on January 23 has triggered intense activity for the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its new coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party (JIP), following Komeito's exit from the coalition. LDP policy chief Takayuki Kobayashi stated at a Chiba news conference that the ruling bloc aims to 'create a strong economy by decisively carrying out responsible and proactive fiscal policy,' positioning the election as a public judgment on Takaichi's leadership under the new framework.
Campaigning officially begins Tuesday, January 27, with Takaichi (also LDP president) and JIP leader Hirofumi Yoshimura, Osaka governor, planning their first joint speeches in Tokyo's Akihabara district—a departure from traditions like Fukushima or last year's Kobe choice. Meanwhile, election-related businesses face a scramble due to the abrupt timeline. Koichi Ishibashi, 60, head of a campaign car rental firm in Yonago, Tottori Prefecture, said, 'It's too abrupt,' noting unprecedented call volumes. Candidates are rushing to file amid the 16-day window, the shortest since World War II.