Japan’s Takaichi weighs snap lower house election, drawing backlash

Jan. 12 (Asia Today) — Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is considering dissolving the House of Representatives early in the regular Diet session that convenes Friday, opening the door to a general election in early to mid-February, Japanese media reported.

Opposition parties and factions within the ruling coalition criticized the idea, questioning the timing and warning it could delay deliberations on the 2026 fiscal year budget and complicate passage within the current session, which ends March 31.

Takaichi has not publicly addressed the reports. On Sunday, she remained at the prime minister’s office and posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, about Iran while staying silent on the dissolution question, the reports said.

The prime minister is scheduled to meet South Korean President Lee Jae-myung Tuesday and Wednesday and visit a temple in Nara Prefecture during the trip. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is set to visit Japan Thursday through Saturday. A former Foreign Ministry official cited by Japanese media said an announcement on dissolving the lower house would likely come after Meloni departs to avoid appearing discourteous to a visiting leader.

Japanese media said some of Takaichi’s advisers are urging an early dissolution, arguing the ruling Liberal Democratic Party could capitalize on high cabinet approval ratings to secure a majority on its own. The reports said some senior ruling party figures who had been cautious, including Deputy President Taro Aso, have shifted toward backing the move.

If the lower house is dissolved Friday, Japanese media projected two possible election schedules: a Jan. 27 campaign launch with voting and counting on Feb. 8 or a Feb. 3 launch with voting and counting on Feb. 15.

Opponents said either timetable would push budget deliberations into March, risking delays in approving the fiscal 2026 budget. Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the Democratic Party for the People, warned his party could withhold support if a prior agreement tied to the income tax threshold is not honored, according to the reports.

Komeito leader Tetsuo Saito criticized the idea as creating a political vacuum during an economic downturn. Leaders of several opposition parties also said they were preparing for an election while arguing the government should prioritize inflation and other economic measures.

Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has instructed local election commissions to begin preparations, the reports said. A compressed campaign period could set a postwar record.

— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

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