Archive · 23 Jan 2026
Japan PM Calls Snap Election
Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has decided to dissolve parliament and call for a snap election.
This happens just three months after she became the country's first female leader.
The elections are set for February 8, 2024.
Takaichi hopes to use her high approval rating to help her party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), win more seats.
The LDP and its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party (JIP), currently have a small majority in the lower house and no majority in the upper house.
Opposition leaders have criticized her decision.
Takaichi is known for her strong stance on defense and has been compared to Britain's former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi dissolved parliament on January 23, 2024, just three months after becoming PM.
Snap elections are scheduled for February 8, 2024, with a 12-day campaign period.
Takaichi aims to capitalize on her 70% approval rating to help her party regain lost ground.
The ruling coalition of the LDP and JIP has a slim majority in the lower house and no majority in the upper house.
Takaichi faced criticism from opposition leaders over her decision to dissolve parliament.
- Who
- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi
- What
- Dissolution of parliament and calling of snap elections
- When
- January 23, 2024, with elections scheduled for February 8, 2024
- Where
- Japan
- Why
- To capitalize on her popularity and regain lost ground for her party
- Japan PM
- Sanae Takaichi
- Election Date
- February 8, 2024
- Parliament Dissolution Date
- January 23, 2024
- Ruling Coalition
- Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Japan Innovation Party (JIP)
- Takaichi's Approval Rating
- 70%
Sources
FirstUp: Japan PM to call snap elections, Minneapolis to mourn Renee Good... The headlines today
Japan’s Takaichi dissolves parliament after only 3 months in office, setting up snap election
