Japan PM Takaichi dissolves parliament, paving way for snap election

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has dissolved parliament, paving the way for a snap election scheduled for February 8. The move comes after Takaichi announced her intention to call an election just three months into her term as the country's first female premier. Takaichi's governing coalition, which includes the Liberal Democratic Party and Japan Innovation Party, has a slim majority in the lower chamber. The election campaign will last for 12 days, with key issues including tackling rising prices and security concerns amid tensions with China. Takaichi aims to capitalize on her personal popularity to regain ground for her party after significant losses in public support. The election is expected to be closely watched by the international community, particularly given Japan's diplomatic disputes with China.

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