TOKYO, Jan 14, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will inform senior party officials Wednesday of her plan to call a general election to capitalise on strong public support for her government, media reports said. Takaichi was appointed Japan's first woman prime minister in October and her cabinet is enjoying an approval rating of around 70 percent. That would pave the way for a snap election, "aiming to increase the number of ruling party seats", the Nikkei said. Public broadcaster NHK also reported Takaichi "is coordinating" a meeting with senior officials to explain her plan. Top government spokesman Minoru Kihara declined to comment on the reports, saying it was "a decision for the prime minister to make".

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha January 14, 2026 07:04 UTC