Japanese PM Takaichi Signals Snap Election as Coalition Seeks Fresh Mandate

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks during a news conference at the prime minister’s office in Tokyo on Dec. 17, 2025. Kiyoshi Ota/AFPJapanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi plans to dissolve the lower house of parliament soon after it convenes later this month, setting the stage for a snap general election, a senior official from the ruling party said on Jan. 14.Shunichi Suzuki, secretary general of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), told reporters that Takaichi had informed him and other top party officials of her intention to dissolve the House of Representatives soon after the ordinary Diet session begins on Jan. 23.