Japan's first female prime minister announces early parliamentary dissolution to capitalize on high approval ratings and secure a stronger governing mandate.
Takaichi's administration plans a new national security strategy this year after deciding to hasten a military build-up that will lift defence spending to 2% of GDP, a sharp break from decades in which Japan capped such outlays at around 1%.
Beijing may want to send voters "the message that supporting a hawkish leader could lead to pain" through more trade controls or other means. ## Coalition Dynamics and Opposition Challenge The LDP and Ishin go into the Feb 8 election with a combined 233 seats.
Opposition lawmakers criticized the plan as a selfish move that would delay parliamentary discussion on the budget, which needs to be approved as soon as possible. ## Economic Pressures and Public Concerns Takaichi assumes leadership during challenging economic times.
A recent NHK poll found that 45 per cent of respondents cited rising prices as their primary worry, followed by diplomacy and national security at 16 per cent.
Japan's PM Sanae Takaichi dissolves parliament and calls snap election for Feb 8, seeking voter mandate on spending, tax cuts and defense buildup.