日本计划解散国会 或于2月提前举行大选

Core Viewpoint - The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of Japan plans to dissolve the House of Representatives later this month and is inclined to hold early elections in February, leveraging Prime Minister Sanna Takai's high approval ratings, which have reached a historical high of 75% [1][8]. Group 1: Election Plans and Political Dynamics - The LDP is preparing for a potential early election, with the Ministry of Internal Affairs instructing local election committees to make necessary preparations [8]. - If the early election occurs in February, it will be only about four months after Sanna Takai assumed office, marking the first time the LDP will collaborate with the Japan Innovation Party in the elections [8][9]. - The LDP and the Japan Innovation Party currently hold a combined total of 230 seats in the House of Representatives, along with three independent members, giving them a slim majority in the 465-seat chamber [9]. Group 2: Opposition and Challenges - The largest opposition party, the Constitutional Democratic Party, led by Yoshihiko Noda, has vowed to push for the removal of the ruling coalition and hinted at a potential alliance with the former LDP partner, Komeito [10]. - The Constitutional Democratic Party holds 148 seats in the House, while Komeito has 24 seats [11]. - Since Sanna Takai's tenure began, she has faced multiple challenges, including a depreciating yen, high inflation, and economic stagnation, with the yen recently hitting a one-year low against the dollar at 158.19 yen per dollar [12].