Prime Minister Takaichi Dissolves Parliament.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan's first female leader, formally dissolved the lower house of parliament today. This sets the stage for a high-stakes general election on February 8, 2026. Takaichi is looking to capitalize on her current 70% approval rating to secure a stronger mandate, though the move is controversial as it delays the national budget. She faces a newly formed opposition bloc called the Centrist Reform Alliance. The 12-day official campaign period starting Tuesday will be the shortest in Japan's postwar history.

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