PM Takaichi Snap Poll a Chance for Voters to Shape Their Own Future

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Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi declared that the Lower House of Japan's parliament will be dissolved on January 23, at the start of the regular Diet session. She also stated that a general election will be officially announced on January 27. Voting is scheduled to follow on February 8.

Speaking at a press conference broadcast live on Monday, January 19, Takaichi explained her reasoning. It would be right to let the voters themselves judge whether they wanted her to serve as prime minister, she emphasized.

Takaichi took office as prime minister only three months ago. At the same time, the Liberal Democratic Party entered into a new coalition with the Nippon Ishin no Kai (Ishin). It is only natural that she should seek to gain the public's affirmation by calling a snap election and thereby gain momentum to advance her policies.

The Prime Minister's Priorities

Notably, Takaichi cited "a major shift in important policies that are fundamental to the country" as her reason for the dissolution. These include policies enumerated in the coalition government agreement with Ishin. They were not included in the LDP's campaign platform for the last Lower House election in October 2024.

*Cabinet officials look on as PM Takaichi addresses a press conference on January 19. (©Prime Minister's Office)*

There is ample justification for the dissolution.

Takaichi pointed out that this election represents a clear choice as to who could best lead Japan as prime minister between herself and Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan.

The Prime Minister said: "I want to step up our efforts to make our policies a reality. [And] I want to champion bold policies and reforms about which public opinion has been divided."

She added, "I firmly believe that the leader of a democratic nation has a responsibility to present important policy changes to the public, as well as to seek their judgment on the merits."

Government's Ultimate Mission

It is certainly desirable for the FY2026 budget to be passed within the current fiscal year. However, the government's attempt to take the initiative and move politics forward is also understandable.

The Prime Minister went on to say: "Protecting the lives and livelihoods of the people is our ultimate mission. And diplomatic and security policies are also extremely important."

Japan is surrounded by the anti-Japan, nuclear-armed dictatorships of China, Russia, and North Korea. Fears of a Taiwan emergency are also rising. Therefore, bolstering the nation's deterrence capabilities as outlined in the coalition agreement and strengthening its intelligence capabilities, including the enactment of an anti-espionage law, are urgently needed.

Prime Minister Takaichi also recognizes that revision of the Imperial Household Law and the Constitution are important policies. Moreover, she vowed to achieve these revisions.

Listening to the Voters

"We need a robust economy to make the Japanese archipelago strong and prosperous," she also stated. Political stability is essential to the implementation of important policies, including a reduction in the consumption tax.

If the government suffers defeat in the snap election, it could well lose power. But if it emerges victorious, its policies will be seen as affirmed by the "most recent expression of public sentiment." In that case, the wind will be at the government's back.

Prime Minister Takaichi called on the electorate to head to the polls to show support for her administration. As she stated, the snap poll will be "an election in which [Japanese voters] will shape your own future."

Each political party and every candidate should present policy positions they genuinely believe in and thoroughly debate them in the campaign. That is indispensable to maintaining Japan's independence, peace and prosperity.

Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun

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