Japanese PM Takaichi Poised for Early Election, Coalition Partner Hints at 'New Stage'

• Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi is likely to call an early general election, according to Hirofumi Yoshimura, leader of her coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin).
• Yoshimura met Takaichi on Friday and sensed a shift in her view on election timing to a 'new stage', though specific dates were not discussed.
• Media reports suggest Takaichi is considering a snap election on February 8 or 15, with the Yomiuri newspaper citing government sources.
• Takaichi stated her focus is on timely execution of the supplementary budget and parliamentary approval of next fiscal year's budget to combat inflation.
• The Internal Affairs Ministry has urged regional election committees to prepare for an early election, which political analyst Shigenobu Tamura views as a 'done deal'.

Why It Matters: Japanese PM Takaichi is strongly considering an early election, despite budget concerns, signaling a significant political shift.