Speculation over the timing of a potential dissolution of the Lower House has started to resurface as the government led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi entered the new year on the heels of high approval ratings and a more stable footing in parliament.
After regaining its majority ¡ª albeit a slim one ¡ª in the Lower House in November, the Liberal Democratic Party-led government secured an agreement with the opposition Democratic Party for the People (DPP) a month later that has all but guaranteed the passage of a ?122.3 trillion ($783 billion) budget for fiscal 2026.
Under such circumstances, the passing of the budget in late March could be seen as a good time for the LDP to call a snap election to regain its dominance in the lower chamber of parliament, should approval ratings remain high.
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