Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi plans to dissolve the lower house of Parliament soon for a snap election to seek the public's mandate for her policies. Takaichi, elected as Japan's first female prime minister in October, wants to capitalize on her strong approval ratings of around 70%. Shunichi Suzuki, secretary general of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, said Takaichi plans to dissolve the lower house after it convenes on January 23. Opposition lawmakers criticized the plan as a selfish move that would delay parliamentary discussion on the budget. Takaichi aims to secure a bigger share for the LDP and its new junior partner, the Japan Innovation Party.
