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.
