Name: Japan PM Takaichi calls Feb election seeking mandate for spending plans | REUTERS
Uploaded: 2026-02-02T04:50:11.000Z
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Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she will call a national election on February 8.

She wants voter support for higher spending, tax cuts and a new security strategy expected to accelerate Japan's defense buildup.

I stake my position as prime minister on this decision.

I ask the people of Japan to directly judge whether they can entrust the governance of the nation to Sanae Takaichi.

Takaichi promised a two year halt to an 8% consumption tax on food and said her spending plans would create jobs as well as boost household spending and increase other tax revenues, government figures show.

A possible consumption tax would reduce government revenue by an estimated $32 billion a year.

That sent the yield on Japan's 10 year government bonds to a 27 year high earlier on Monday.

The snap vote will mark Takechi's first electoral test since becoming Japan's first female premier in October.

Calling an early election allows her to capitalize on strong public support and tighten her grip on the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and shore up her coalition's fragile majority.

The election will test voter appetite for higher spending at a time when the rising cost of living is the public's top concern.