Sanae Takaichi announced she will dissolve Japan’s lower house and call an early general election, with campaigning starting on January 27 and voting set for February 8. Takaichi said early elections are needed to seek public approval for policies not included in previous ruling party pledges. She emphasized that voters should directly decide whether to entrust her with governing the country. Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, came to power following a leadership change in the Liberal Democratic Party and later formed a coalition government with the Japan Innovation Party.