Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is reportedly considering calling a snap parliamentary election in the first half of February, the Yomiuri newspaper reported on Friday, citing government sources. The early election would allow Japan’s first female prime minister to leverage her strong approval ratings since taking office in October.
Takaichi has gained support from right-wing voters due in part to her tough stance on China, but her remarks have sparked the most serious diplomatic dispute between Tokyo and Beijing in over a decade. She suggested last year that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could constitute an existential threat to Japan. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, a position Taipei strongly rejects, and has responded by urging its citizens not to travel to Japan, cancelling bilateral meetings and events, and banning exports of dual-use items for Japan’s military.
According to Yomiuri, both February 8 and February 15 are being considered as potential election dates. Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) currently governs in coalition with the right-wing Ishin party, but their alliance remains a few seats short of a majority in the lower house. The announcement of a potential early election sent the dollar higher against the yen.
Political analysts suggest that a snap vote would allow Takaichi to consolidate power while public sentiment remains favorable, but it also carries the risk of intensifying tensions with China, which has already taken punitive economic and diplomatic measures in response to her statements.
The decision on whether to proceed with the election is expected in the coming weeks, as Takaichi balances domestic political advantage with the need to manage a fragile regional security situation.
