Japan's PM Announces Dissolution of Lower House

Japan's Kyodo News reported that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will hold a press conference at 6 p.m. local time today, which is 5 p.m. Hong Kong time, to announce the dissolution of the House of Representatives and explain the reasons behind the decision.

Earlier Japanese media reports indicated that Takaichi plans to hold the election on February 8.

The sudden call for a snap election has triggered political upheaval in Japan. The opposition Constitutional Democratic Party and Komeito have formed a new coalition, the "Centrist Reform Union," to challenge the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's dominance.