Japan PM Takaichi stakes job on early election

Jan 20, 2026, 08:16 am

		0
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at a press conference at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo on Jan. 6 regarding an earthquake in western Japan. / EPA-Yonhap

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced Monday that she will dissolve the House of Representatives on Jan. 23 and hold a snap general election, staking her position as prime minister on the outcome.

Speaking at a press conference at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo, Takaichi said voting and ballot counting would take place on Feb. 8, according to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun. The official campaign period will begin with the election announcement on Jan. 27.

Explaining the decision, Takaichi said she wanted the public to decide “whether Sanae Takaichi is suitable to serve as prime minister.” She reiterated that the ruling coalition’s goal is to secure a majority in the lower house, adding that she is “putting her job on the line” in the election.

Asked why she would dissolve the chamber on the opening day of the ordinary Diet session even if it delays deliberations on the fiscal 2026 budget, Takaichi said political stability is essential to see reforms through. “I want to earn the trust of voters,” she said.

Takaichi added that her government has prepared policy measures, including steps to address rising prices, ahead of the dissolution. “This decision comes after ensuring there will be no vacuum in economic management,” she said, pledging to “shift into a higher gear” to implement policies, tackle divisive but necessary reforms, and make bold efforts on issues such as resolving the abduction of Japanese nationals.

#Sanae Takaichi #Japan election #House of Representatives dissolution #snap election #Japanese prime minister