Explainer: Why Japanese PM Takaichi is going all in on a snap election?

NAMPA / Xinhua
2026-01-28
TOKYO, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Campaigning for Japan's Feb. 8 House of Representatives election officially kicked off across the country on Tuesday, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has explicitly tied to her political survival. Speaking at a street rally on the first day of the campaign, Takaichi reiterated her pledge to step down if the ruling coalition fails to secure a majority. How does the electi......
Restricted content

Latest NAMPA photos

ONDANGWA, 26 January 2026 - Oshana Regional Governor Hofni Iipinge. (Photo by: Andreas Thomas) NAMPA

ONDANGWA, 26 January 2026 - Oshana Regional Governor Hofni Iipinge. (Photo by: Andreas Thomas) NAMPA

NAMPA
ONDANGWA, 26 January 2026 - Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa. (Photo by: Andreas Thomas) NAMPA

ONDANGWA, 26 January 2026 - Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa. (Photo by: Andreas Thomas) NAMPA

NAMPA
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

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 – 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

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

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

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, 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

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

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