Japan Government
Takaichi pushes economic package in parliament, seeks opposition support
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Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed determination to swiftly compile an economic package focused on combating rising prices during a question-and-answer session in the House of Representatives on November 5, calling for opposition cooperation. Opposition parties pressed for consumption tax cuts and delays in social security reforms, while the government offered responses lacking concrete measures. The ruling coalition lacks a majority in both houses, making broad cross-party support essential.
Japan will procure crude oil from Russia for the first time since U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran in February closed the Strait of Hormuz. A tanker carrying oil from Russia's Sakhalin-2 project is heading to the country, a trade ministry official said Saturday. Resource-poor Japan aims to diversify away from Middle East imports.
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Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is scheduled to hold a press conference on January 19, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., where she is likely to announce her intention to dissolve the House of Representatives. The dissolution is expected at the start of the regular Diet session on January 23, prompting ruling and opposition parties to intensify preparations for a general election.