Japanese PM dissolves parliament, ready to hold early February by-election

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Friday dissolved the House of Representatives to hold a by-election on February 8, to gain public mandate for her government's economic and security policy agenda.

Takaichi's cabinet on Friday, January 23, approved the dissolution of the 465-seat lower house, following the formation of a new coalition between the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Japan Innovation Party.

This dissolution is the first to be carried out at the beginning of the regular session in almost 60 years. The term of office of the members of parliament is actually only due to expire in 2028.

Takaichi said the decision was made because his government, which took office in October 2025, had not obtained a direct mandate from the public, including for the new coalition formed in the same month.

The dissolution of the lower house automatically starts a short campaign period. The government and the opposition are expected to highlight the issue of abolishing or suspending consumption taxes on food to ease household burdens due to inflation.

As reported by ANTARA from Kyodo, this election will also be followed by candidates from the new opposition bloc, the Central Reform Alliance, which was formed by the Japanese Constitutional Democratic Party and the Komeito Party, the former LDP coalition partner for 26 years.

The issue of state funding is expected to be a major debate, as the opposition proposes the complete abolition of consumption tax on food and the government's suspension of discourse, amid continued inflationary pressures.

In addition, political issues and party funding, following the dark money scandal that has hit the LDP in recent years, as well as issues related to foreigners and tourism, are also expected to be part of the campaign.

Although the level of support for the Takaichi Cabinet is relatively high, the ruling coalition only has a slim majority in the lower house and is still a minority in the Advisory Council, so it depends on the support of other parties to pass laws.

The election date was only 16 days after the dissolution of the assembly, which was the shortest break in the post-war era, drew criticism for being considered to limit the time for voters to assess policy programs.

Opposition parties have also criticized the decision to hold elections before parliament approves the initial budget for the 2026 fiscal year, which begins in April, accusing the government of prioritizing political considerations.

The previous lower house election was held in October 2024.