Why a Snap Election Is a Gamble for Japan’s Prime Minister

Japan is preparing for a snap lower-house election that could reshape the country’s political balance at a moment of economic strain and regional uncertainty.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi — who has only been in the top job for about three months — has set the election date for Feb. 8 to capitalize on soaring public support to shore up her coalition government. Takaichi has already made a mark by bringing forward an increase in defense spending, unveiling the biggest extra budget since pandemic restrictions were eased, and ruffling feathers in China over her comments on Taiwan.