Tokyo, Jan. 23 -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Friday dissolved the House of Representatives and announced a snap general election to be held on February 8, seeking public support for her economic and security policy agenda, Kyodo News reported.

The 465-member lower house was dissolved by Takaichi's cabinet during the early hours of the regular parliamentary session.

This is the first time this has happened at the start of a regular session in almost 60 years.

The decision effectively launched a short and intense election campaign.

Although the current term of lawmakers was set to expire in 2028, Takaichi defended her decision by stating that she has not yet received a direct public mandate for her leadership.

She became...