Japan's PM Sanae Takaichi Calls Snap Election to Seek Fresh Mandate

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the dissolution of the lower house of parliament on January 23, calling a snap general election for February 8. As Japan's first female prime minister, she seeks a renewed public mandate to advance economic reforms, tax cuts including a two-year pause on the food consumption tax, and a strengthened national security strategy amid regional tensions. The election will test her leadership and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's fragile majority, with opposition parties criticizing the timing and intent of the early vote.