Japan PM Takaichi calls snap election three months after taking office

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete January 19, 2026 at 10:32 AM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will dissolve parliament on Friday, calling for a snap election on February 8th. Takaichi, who took office in October, seeks a stronger mandate for her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to govern. The LDP currently holds the most seats in the House of Representatives, but relies on a coalition for a majority. Takaichi, a conservative known for her close ties to Shinzo Abe and admiration for Margaret Thatcher, has recently approved a record defense budget amid concerns about China. Her comments regarding a potential Japanese response to a Chinese attack on Taiwan have strained relations with Beijing. Despite high approval ratings, the snap election is a gamble, as recent Japanese PMs have faced short tenures due to scandals and declining support.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Shigeru Ishiba 30% Japan Innovation party 40% Donald Trump 40% United States ×250% Shinzo Abe 50% House of Representatives ×260% Taiwan 60% China ×370% Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) ×370% Sanae Takaichi ×890% Japan ×690%

Keywords

snap election 100% japan 90% prime minister 80% takaichi 80% liberal democratic party 70% defense budget 60% public support 60% us-japan relations 50% china 50% economic growth 40%