Gao City dissolves the National Assembly and the House of Representatives, and her political stance is outspoken, it's not just about the school lunch.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan officially announces the dissolution of the House of Representatives, initiating a new wave of political election reform. Takaichi emphasizes that this move is not driven by political considerations, but rather to directly entrust the legitimacy of her governance to the Japanese people. She states that whether she is suitable to continue serving as Prime Minister is ultimately up to the voters themselves. If Japan does not start moving toward strength and prosperity now, it will be too late in the future. She points out that the cabinet has begun implementing a series of major policy adjustments that will fundamentally impact the country, focusing on a comprehensive update of economic and fiscal policies. Takaichi’s new policies include the content revealed during her campaign for the Liberal Democratic Party leadership and in the coalition agreement with Nippon Ishin no Kai, which will be concretely reflected in the 2026 fiscal year budget and related bills submitted to the Diet. Takaichi admits that a significant portion of these policies were not included in the LDP’s last election platform; at that time, few expected her to become the helm of Japan’s government. For this reason, she believes she has a responsibility to seek a clear mandate from the public again.

Sanae Takaichi Dissolves the House of Representatives and Pushes for Comprehensive Election Reform to Seek Public Support

Under Japan’s parliamentary cabinet system, citizens cannot directly elect the Prime Minister, but the House of Representatives election is effectively equivalent to a “government election.” Takaichi points out that if the Liberal Democratic Party and Nippon Ishin no Kai win a majority in the election, she will continue to serve as Prime Minister; otherwise, power will be handed over to other political forces, even if only as a transitional arrangement. She also mentions that currently, having a LDP president serve as Prime Minister without holding a majority in both Houses of Parliament is inherently unstable.

Reflecting on her governance, Takaichi notes that on October 4 last year, she was elected for the third time as LDP president, ending a 26-year partnership with Komeito. After losing her long-term coalition partner, the LDP failed to hold a majority in both Houses, forcing her to face a tough parliamentary primary. Supported by Nippon Ishin no Kai and other factions, she ultimately assumed office as Prime Minister on October 21 last year, but has always carried the political pressure of having not been directly elected by the people.

Takaichi to Hold a General Election to Seek Direct Support from Japanese Voters

According to Reuters Tokyo, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will hold a general election on February 8 to seek voter support for increased spending, tax cuts, and a new security strategy expected to accelerate national defense development. Takaichi plans to dissolve the House of Representatives on Friday, followed by a snap election for all 465 seats. This will be her first electoral test since becoming Japan’s first female Prime Minister in October last year.

Prioritizing People’s Livelihoods

The rising prices that cause suffering among Japanese citizens are the first issue Takaichi aims to address. Her cabinet swiftly prepared a supplementary budget for fiscal year 2025, introducing measures to lower gasoline prices and subsidies for electricity and gas bills. The combined support for high prices and child-rearing subsidies exceeds 80,000 yen per household annually. As policies are implemented, fuel prices have begun to decline, and subsidies for electricity and gas appliances started this month.

Additionally, the cabinet is actively responding to crises in the healthcare and caregiving systems. Takaichi points out that many medical institutions are operating at a loss, and the number of bankruptcies among care facilities has reached a record high. If immediate intervention is not taken, it could lead to a healthcare collapse and displacement of vulnerable populations. The government has included medical and caregiving support in the supplementary budget, increasing monthly wages for caregivers by 10,000 to 19,000 yen.

Rising Regional Security Risks, Takaichi Will Uphold Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy

Takaichi states that the current international situation is becoming increasingly severe. Recent military exercises by China around Taiwan indicate rising regional security risks. At the same time, some countries are attempting to exert economic pressure by controlling critical supply chains, affecting materials used in daily life and industry, to coerce other nations into political compliance. She emphasizes that Japan’s advocacy of a free and open Indo-Pacific strategy has been ongoing for ten years, and will be further deepened and expanded based on this foundation.

Multilateral Cooperation and Diplomatic Expansion

Takaichi says she has recently gained several important diplomatic opportunities, including meetings with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, Italian Prime Minister Meloni, and bilateral talks with multiple world leaders during international conferences. She states that Japan will deepen cooperation with the United States based on the Japan-U.S. alliance, while strengthening relations with the Philippines, Australia, Italy, the UK, and other developing countries.

Comprehensive Overhaul of Security Strategy to Strengthen Deterrence

On security policy, Takaichi indicates that the government will undertake fundamental enhancements, accelerating revisions of key documents such as the National Security Strategy, Defense Strategy, and Defense Force Development Plan. She notes that after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, countries are responding to new operational paradigms, including large-scale drone use and the potential for prolonged conflicts. The international security environment has changed significantly since the last strategic revision in 2022. Takaichi believes this adjustment cannot be merely a continuation of existing discussions but must involve a comprehensive strategic overhaul to further strengthen Japan’s deterrence capabilities.

Controlling New Bond Issuance at 29.6 Trillion Yen, Reducing Government Debt

Although the 2026 fiscal year budget is the largest in history and has raised concerns about “excessive spending,” it has achieved a fiscal surplus for the first time in 28 years while maintaining fiscal sustainability. The new policies do not rely on borrowing; the issuance of new government bonds will be limited to 29.6 trillion yen, one of the lowest levels since the Lehman crisis. Along with increased tax revenue, the government has also reduced its reliance on debt financing to the lowest level since the financial crisis. Takaichi emphasizes that she will continue to keep the debt growth rate below the economic growth rate and reduce government debt as a percentage of GDP, supporting economic growth with responsible and proactive fiscal policies.

Takaichi stresses that she will only dissolve the Diet after ensuring fundamental economic management and social security measures are in place. She calls on the public to judge her policies and governance directly through elections, and to jointly decide Japan’s future.

This article, Takaichi Dissolves the House of Representatives and Announces Bold Policy Stances, first appeared on Lian News ABMedia.