Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi dissolved parliament after three months, triggering elections on February 8.
Seeking Higher Support
Dissolving the lower house of parliament means that elections to the House of Representatives will be held in just over two weeks. The date has been set for February 8. These elections will be a test of support for the ruling camp.
The Liberal Democratic Party had a slim majority in the dissolved lower house but is in the minority in the upper house.
Policy Goals
The Sanae Takaichi government enjoys growing support. Riding this wave, the prime minister’s political camp wants to fight for sole control of parliament. This should help in pushing through the new government’s flagship laws.
These concern fiscal system reforms and far-reaching changes in security policy. This document forms the foundation of fundamental changes in Japan’s national defense system.
After World War II, Japan, as an aggressor, was stripped of the ability to have a military. Japan has Self-Defense Forces. The country, which experienced the dropping of atomic bombs, for decades pursued a pacifist defense policy.
Sanae Takaichi wants to change this, recognizing, among other things, the development of the Chinese army as a threat to Japan’s security.
Ritual Shouts
Members of the prime minister’s party shouted “Banzai!” after the announcement about dissolving parliament. Traditionally, this is a cheer for the emperor, shouted three times after his enthronement and – as in this case – after dissolving parliament.
“Banzai”, literally “thousand years”, means the same as “long live”.
Historic Move
The lower house was dissolved before the end of its term during a regular parliamentary session for the first time in 60 years.
Sanae Takaichi argues that she became prime minister during the parliamentary term and wants to strengthen her social mandate. The politician took power after the previous prime minister decided to resign.
Takaichi won internal elections in the Liberal Democratic Party in early October, then assumed the post of prime minister. She is the first woman to hold this office in Japan.