Tokyo — Japan’s ruling party is preparing to dissolve the country’s Lower House later this month, potentially triggering a snap general election in February, according to public broadcaster NHK.
The move is being considered as the governing Liberal Democratic Party seeks to capitalize on strong public support for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japanese media reported over the weekend.
NHK said the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has already instructed election boards across Japan’s prefectures to begin preparations for a possible nationwide vote, signaling that plans are advancing behind the scenes.
Takaichi, who took office just four months ago, is currently enjoying approval ratings of around 75%, according to a recent Nikkei survey. It marks the third consecutive month in which public support for the prime minister has exceeded 70%, a rare level of backing in Japanese politics.
Analysts say the ruling coalition sees the high approval numbers as an opportunity to secure a stronger mandate and stabilize governance, particularly as diplomatic and economic pressures mount.
The potential election would be the first contested under the LDP’s new coalition arrangement with the Japan Innovation Party, following the exit of long-time partner Komeito last year amid political funding controversies.
While the ruling bloc holds a narrow majority in the 465-seat Lower House, it remains in the minority in the Upper House, complicating the passage of legislation. A snap election could help rebalance that dynamic if voter sentiment holds.
Opposition parties, however, are preparing to challenge the government. Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan leader Yoshihiko Noda said in an NHK interview that the opposition aims to force a change of government and is open to broader alliances ahead of any election.
The political maneuvering comes at a sensitive moment for Japan’s economy. The yen has weakened to its lowest level against the U.S. dollar in a year, inflation has remained above the Bank of Japan’s target for nearly four years, and revised data showed the economy contracted more sharply than first estimated in the third quarter.
If confirmed, a February election would mark one of the shortest intervals between a new prime minister taking office and calling a general election in recent decades.
