Pakistan, Jan. 19 -- Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced she will dissolve parliament on Friday and call a national election next month. The snap vote will cover all 465 seats in the lower house. Takaichi aims to seek voter backing for higher spending and a new security strategy amid public concerns.

The election marks Takaichi's first test since becoming Japan's first female prime minister in October 2025. She hopes to strengthen her position within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Analysts say the vote will determine the stability of her coalition's fragile majority.

Read more: Japan PM Takaichi eyes February snap election

Rising living costs remain the top concern for voters, according to a recent NHK poll. About 45%...