Japan in January 2026: the most important developments in politics
Japan's politics in January 2026 were dominated by a snap election. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, three months into office, announced around January 19 that she would dissolve the lower house of parliament, and the chamber was dissolved by January 23 for an election on February 8. Campaigning began on January 27, with more than 1,200 candidates expected, and the debate was expected to center on spending, tax cuts and defense. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party listed between 37 and 42 lawmakers linked to a slush fund scandal as candidates, drawing internal criticism. The Constitutional Democratic Party and Komeito agreed on January 15 to form a new centrist party, which became the largest opposition force. Also on January 21, a court in Nara sentenced Tetsuya Yamagami to life in prison for the 2022 shooting of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, rejecting the defense's claim of diminished capacity.
In Osaka, an unusual double election was set for the same day as the parliamentary vote, projected to cost 2.8 billion yen. Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura ran for re-election and said that if he wins, a referendum on the "Osaka Metropolis Plan" would be held by next spring. Three candidates filed, and major national parties chose not to field candidates. The Japan Innovation Party (Ishin) expelled six lawmakers over an insurance scandal.
Foreign policy centered on security partnerships. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung held a summit with Takaichi in Tokyo and Nara on January 13 and 14, and the two agreed to boost economic security ties. Japan and the Philippines signed new defense pacts on January 15, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Takaichi agreed on January 16 to upgrade relations to a strategic partnership.
Relations with China remained strained. China's foreign ministry called for international efforts to prevent Japan from returning to militarism, and a Chinese envoy at the UN said Japan is unqualified for a permanent Security Council seat. Japan's last two giant pandas left Tokyo's Ueno Zoo for China on January 27.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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