日本語

The Vote of Confidence for the Takaichi Administration – #01

January 23 – Dissolution of the House of Representatives

Some supporters of the Takaichi administration had proposed an early dissolution of the House of Representatives immediately after her appointment as Prime Minister.
However, it was thought that there would be no dissolution for some time.

Prime Minister Takaichi made the decision.
On January 19, Prime Minister Takaichi announced the dissolution of the House of Representatives on January 23.
However, the Yomiuri Shimbun broke the news on January 10 that Prime Minister Takaichi was considering dissolving the House of Representatives.
Since there was not much time until the anticipated election date, this breaking news triggered a sudden surge in the election campaign atmosphere for the House of Representatives.

Regarding the dissolution of the House of Representatives, Prime Minister Takaichi explained the election was a vote of confidence asking, “Is Sanae Takaichi acceptable as Prime Minister ?”
The true meaning behind these words was revealed in her January 27th speech in Akihabara, and it should make perfect sense.

At the end of last year, the decision was made to abolish the provisional gasoline tax rate, which had stalled in discussions even during the Democratic Party administration. Also, the decision was also made to abolish the provisional light oil tax rate.
Even the opposition parties who had been refusing everything under the anti-Takaichi administration, may have been concerned about public reaction, and the bill passed with all opposition parties supporting it.
Also, the income tax exemption limit, the so-called “annual income wall,” was decided to be increased to ¥1.78 million by Prime Minister Takaichi’s decision.
Many people are speechless that the opposition parties who had only criticized the Takaichi administration are now claiming “this is our achievement”…

Prime Minister Takaichi stated that this election is a vote of confidence in Prime Minister Takaichi, asking if “Sanae Takaichi is acceptable as Prime Minister ?”
She also expressed her resolve, stating “If the governing coalition of the LDP and JIP cannot secure a majority, I will resign.”
The composition of the House of Representatives prior to the dissolution was determined by the House of Representatives election held during the low-approval-rating Ishiba administration.
As a result, many chairs of the House of Representatives standing committees are held by members of other parties.
It is anticipated that some of the bills to be submitted going forward will face opposition from the opposition parties.
In other words, depending on the bill, it may not be approved by the chair of the relevant standing committee, potentially preventing it from even being discussed.
By winning the House of Representatives election and securing a majority for the LDP and the JIP, Prime Minister Takaichi wants to gain control of many standing committee chair positions. This would enable smoother government operations going forward.
Also, we believe she intends to break away from the Ishiba administration and formulate the Takaichi administration’s budget.

However, according to surveys by the old media, around 50% of respondents disapprove of this dissolution of the House of Representatives.
This figure indicates not only opposition supporters who oppose Takaichi, but also that some governing party supporters disapprove.
We hope governing party supporters will understand Prime Minister Takaichi’s true intentions.

What’s incoherent are the opposition parties, the old media, and their supporters.

Opposition parties and the old media: “Don’t allow Takaichi !! Takaichi, resign immediately !!”
Prime Minister Takaichi: “As you wish, I will dissolve the House of Representatives.”
Opposition parties and the old media: “You have no just cause!! Why are you dissolving it ??”

Is this some kind of joke ?

We don’t know which country they’re trying to protect, but they were voicing criticism that could be interpreted as slander, saying “Don’t oppose China!! Prime Minister Takaichi, retract your previous statement!! Prime Minister Takaichi, resign immediately.”
As they hoped, Prime Minister Takaichi dissolved the House of Representatives, committing her position to the outcome.
Despite having repeatedly criticized her before, they are now shouting at Prime Minister Takaichi to stay on, asking “There is no just cause!! Why did you dissolve the House of Representatives ?”
Eventually, they even complained that “You should have passed the budget before dissolving it,” even though they had no intention of supporting it.
We think they actually understand that they cannot win an election held now.

We was surprised.
Recent approval ratings showed the CDP and New Komeito in a disastrous state, but they announced they would merge into a single party.
While both parties prioritize ties with China, they hold diametrically opposed views on national defense and energy.
In other words, this merger feels like an election tactic that disregards political principles, relying solely on the votes of the Union and Soka Gakkai.
New Komeito side announced that only Diet members who agree with New Komeito’s policies will be allowed to join the new party.
This effectively means New Komeito is absorbing the CDP.

There are highly suspicious social media posts that could be from left-wing party supporters or Chinese election interference.
These posts are lying, claiming that if you support Prime Minister Takaichi, you should vote for any party other than the LDP.
We are sure you can all easily recognize such lies.

If you support Prime Minister Takaichi, trust LDP President Takaichi and vote for the LDP.
If the LDP and JIP secure a majority, many of the policies we hope for can be realized.

Reference: Prime Minister’s Office of Japan (2025/01/29)
https://www.kantei.go.jp/jp/104/statement/2026/0123kaiken.html

Reference: the LDP (2025/01/30)
https://www.jimin.jp/news/press/212284.html
https://www.jimin.jp/news/information/212318.html

Reference: NIKKEI SHINBUN (2025/01/28)
https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUA222RU0S6A120C2000000
https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUA208OU0Q1A021C2000000

Reference: YOMIURI SHINBUN ONLINE (2025/01/31)
https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/20260109-GYT1T00324
https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/election/shugiin/20260119-GYT1T00332
https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/election/yoron-chosa/20260125-GYT1T00185

Reference: THE SANKEI SHINBUN (2025/01/31)
https://www.sankei.com/article/20251226-2B74QYEGH5IKXFY3IEF4BWHMWA

Thanks.
2026/02/05