Election campaigning begins in Japan ahead of Feb. 8 vote

Tuesday 27 January 2026 - 15:00

By: Sahili Aya

Election campaigning begins in Japan ahead of Feb. 8 vote

Election campaigning officially got underway in Japan on Tuesday ahead of the snap general election scheduled for February 8, as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi seeks a renewed mandate after dissolving parliament.

The vote will determine the composition of the 465-seat lower house and marks the first nationwide election since Takaichi took office in October. More than 1,200 candidates are contesting the race, which follows a major political realignment after the long-standing alliance between the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito collapsed. The LDP is now governing in coalition with the Japan Innovation Party.

Takaichi’s decision to dissolve the lower house at the opening of a regular parliamentary session was highly unusual, the first such move in six decades. Her leadership has also drawn attention for breaking with the LDP’s tradition of male prime ministers.

To retain power, the ruling bloc must secure at least 233 seats. The opposition has sought to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction by reorganizing into a broader alliance, with centrist and opposition parties joining forces to challenge the government.

Economic issues dominate the campaign, particularly rising living costs and debate over whether to suspend or eliminate the food consumption tax. Fiscal discipline, inflation, and long-term budget sustainability are key points of contention between the rival camps.

Foreign policy and social reforms are also in focus, including Japan’s relations with China and the United States and proposals related to family law. Voters will cast two ballots on election day, one for a local candidate and another for a political party under proportional representation.