A snap election could be held in early or mid-February if Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi actually dissolves the Lower House at the scheduled Jan. 23 start of the ordinary Diet session.

Having gained the cooperation of the opposition Democratic Party for the People, Takaichi was virtually assured of passing the fiscal 2026 budget before the end of the current fiscal year.

So why would she rush to hold an election and jeopardize the passage of the budget by March 31?

Dissolving the Lower House would appear aimed at increasing the number of ruling coalition seats while her support ratings remain high and before opposition parties can question her in the Diet session.

That would mean she was prioritizing the interests of her Liberal Democratic Party over the daily lives of the public.

Since 1992, when it became standard practice to convene the ordinary Diet session in January, there has never been a case of the Lower House being dissolved at the very start.

That was likely........

© The Asahi Shimbun