TOKYO: Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will call a national election on February 8 to seek voter backing for increased spending, tax cuts and a new security strategy that is expected to accelerate a defence build-up.

Takaichi plans to dissolve parliament on Friday ahead of the snap vote for all 465 seats in the lower house of parliament, in her first electoral test since becoming Japan’s first female premier in October.

“I am staking my own political future as prime minister on this election,” Takaichi told a press conference on Monday. “I want the public to judge directly whether they will entrust me with the management of the nation.” She promised a two-year halt to a consumption tax of 8pc on food, adding that her spending plans would create jobs, boost household spending and increase other tax revenues.

Published in Dawn, January 20th, 2026