Tokyo, Jan 27, 2026 (AFP) - Japan's election campaign kicks off: five things to know

NAMPA / AFP

2026-01-27

Official campaigning began in Japan on Tuesday ahead of a snap election on February 8. Here are five key issues in a high-stakes vote where Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has laid her political future on the line. - Race to the polls - Candidates' posters are up, vans topped with loudspeakers are cruising the streets, and Takaichi held her first rally Tuesday in central Tokyo, where dozens of people gathered to listen to her speak. The lower hou......

Restricted content

Law & Politics

Moscow, Jan 27, 2026 (AFP) - Russia's military chief of staff visits troops in east Ukraine: defence ministry

2026-01-27 08:30:11

Jakarta, Jan 27, 2026 (AFP) - Indonesia parliament confirms president's nephew to central bank board

2026-01-27 08:00:16

Vienna, Jan 27, 2026 (AFP) - Data 'gaps' slow fight against antisemitism: EU agency

2026-01-27 07:30:18

Sydney, Jan 27, 2026 (AFP) - Man charged with throwing 'explosive device' into Australia Day rally

2026-01-27 07:30:18

Minneapolis, Jan 27, 2026 (AFP) - Trump attempts to pivot in face of Minneapolis killing backlash

2026-01-27 06:00:10

Washington, United States, Jan 27, 2026 (AFP) - Trump in trouble on immigration, as signature issue turns deadly

2026-01-27 05:31:05

San Francisco, United States, Jan 27, 2026 (AFP) - Tire companies face US trial on additive said to kill salmon

2026-01-27 05:31:05

London, Jan 27, 2026 (AFP) - London-based Persian TV aims to air 'truth' about Iran protests

2026-01-27 05:31:05

Minneapolis, Jan 27, 2026 (AFP) - Cold streets, hot fury: Minnesota mourns, rages after federal killings

2026-01-27 05:00:10

Washington, United States, Jan 27, 2026 (AFP) - US official denies report Border Patrol commander ousted

2026-01-27 05:00:10

Latest NAMPA photos

WINDHOEK, 25 January 2026 – Junior female cyclist Delsia Janse van Vuuren while in action during round three of Nedbank Namibia Windhoek Power Pedal (WPP) 3 Döbra Loops. (Photo by: Hesron Kapanga) NAMPA

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 25 January 2026 – Namibia’s junior female cyclist Delsia Janse van Vuuren while in action during round three of Nedbank Namibia Windhoek Power Pedal (WPP) 3 Döbra Loops. (Photo by: Hesron Kapanga) NAMPA

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 25 January 2026 – Namibia’s endurance rider Drikus Coetzee, celebrating his win during round three of Nedbank Namibia Windhoek Power Pedal (WPP) 3 Döbra Loops. (Photo by: Hesron Kapanga) NAMPA

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 26 January 2026 – Namibia’s endurance rider Drikus Coetzee while in action during round three of Nedbank Namibia Windhoek Power Pedal (WPP) 3 Döbra Loops. (Photo by: Hesron Kapanga) NAMPA

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 26 January 2026 - Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp pictured at NSFAF's 2026 online application system on Monday. (Photo: Contributed)

NAMPA