In an audacious political maneuver, PM Sanae Takaichi’s cabinet greenlit the dissolution of Japan’s 465-seat lower house on Friday, the first such action at a session’s start in over 60 years. Polls open February 8, igniting a national campaign frenzy.
Core to the contest: taming inflation’s toll on household budgets. Both sides eye consumption tax relief on food—temporary halt from the government, permanent removal from foes. LDP scandals over secret funds spotlight political corruption, while foreign worker and tourist policies stir additional controversy.
Takaichi, premier since late 2025, admits lacking broad support, necessitating this electoral reset despite high popularity. Parliamentary gridlock persists with LDP’s tenuous lower house hold and upper house deficit.
Rivals assail her for ducking budget duties ahead of April’s fiscal year. Her ascent is storied: 1993 debut, LDP join in 1996, key Abe roles in regional affairs, trailblazing policy leadership, economic security oversight, and unmatched internal affairs tenure.
Beating Koizumi for party helm in 2024 with 185 votes, Takaichi wagers big. The vote will gauge her strategy’s success as Japan navigates inflation, scandals, and global shifts.