Japan PM Takaichi considering snap election in February, Yomiuri newspaper says

She has been enjoying high approval ratings since taking office

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to the media after a telephone call with US President Donald Trump, at her residence in Tokyo, Japan, Jan 2, 2026, in this photo taken by Kyodo.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is considering calling a snap election for parliament's lower house in the first half of February, the Yomiuri newspaper reported on Friday, citing political sources.

The move would allow Takaichi, Japan's first female prime minister, to take advantage of the strong approval ratings she's enjoyed since taking office in October. Her tough stance on China has appealed to right-wing voters but has fueled a major diplomatic dispute with the powerful Asian neighbour.

Takaichi's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is in coalition with the right-wing Ishin party. Their coalition is a few seats short of a majority in Japan’s lower house.