Tokyo, Jan. 14 -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is preparing to dissolve the House of Representatives at the start of the regular Diet session on Jan. 23, paving the way for an unusual February general election, reports Kyodo News.

The move would mark the first national election under Takaichi's leadership since she took office in October.

The plan comes as Takaichi's Cabinet maintains relatively strong public support nearly three months into her tenure. With the ruling coalition clinging to a slim majority in the powerful lower house, party strategists believe an early election could help stabilize her administration and strengthen its mandate.

The Cabinet on Tuesday formally approved January 23 as the opening date of the reg...