Japan PM Takaichi says general election set for Feb 8

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Monday, January 19, 2026

19/01/2026

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi attends a joint news conference with Italy's Premier Giorgia Meloni at the prime minister's office in Tokyo, on Jan 16. (AP)

TOKYO, Jan 19, (Xinhua): Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Monday announced her plan to dissolve the House of Representatives on Jan. 23 for a snap general election set for Feb 8. At a press conference, Takaichi said she will dissolve the 465-member lower house on Friday, the opening day of this year's ordinary parliamentary session. Voting will take place on Feb. 8, with official campaigning starting from Jan. 27, she said.