Diet

The Diet is the name of Japan's parliament. It is currently newsworthy because Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who has only been in office for three months, has dissolved the lower house of the Diet to call a snap election. Takaichi, the country's first female prime minister, is a conservative figure. She is attempting to capitalize on high approval ratings since assuming office. The dissolution occurred on January 23, 2026. Takaichi hopes that a larger majority in the Diet following the election will enable her to more effectively implement her political and fiscal agenda. The timing is also significant due to a deepening dispute with China over the security of Taiwan, making the election's outcome potentially impactful on international relations.