Tokyo is buzzing with speculation that Prime Minister Sane Takaiichi is gearing up for a snap general election, potentially as early as February. Her coalition ally, Hirofumi Yoshimura, leader of the Japan Innovation Party, dropped the hint on Sunday after a meeting with her, suggesting her thinking on election timing has entered a ‘new phase.’ This would mark Takaiichi’s first electoral test since assuming office in October 2025, riding high on strong approval ratings. Reports point to possible polls on February 8 or 15. Takaiichi sidestepped confirmations in an NHK interview, emphasizing her cabinet’s focus on passing the fiscal year’s budget on schedule.
