Pakistan, Jan. 23 -- Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi dissolved the lower house of parliament on Friday and announced early general elections for February 8. The official 12-day election campaign will start next Tuesday. This decision comes just three months after Takaichi became the country's first female prime minister, with her personal popularity reaching nearly 70 percent.

Takaichi aims to use her strong approval ratings to strengthen the position of her ruling coalition. The alliance, which includes the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Japan Innovation Party, holds only a slim majority in the lower house. The prime minister seeks to consolidate power and ensure policy continuity ahead of elections.

Read more: PM Takaich...