TOKYO, Jan 13, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Tokyo shares jumped more than three percent Tuesday morning on speculation that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will call a snap election to capitalise on strong poll numbers. Takaichi was appointed Japan's first woman prime minister in October and her cabinet is enjoying an approval rating of around 70 percent. But her ruling bloc only has a slim majority in the powerful lower house of parliament, hindering its ability to push through her ambitious policy agenda. "If a lower house election is confirmed, we can anticipate a renewed buying trend," according to brokerage house Monex. That would mean an election would be "highly likely to be held in early to mid-February", the Yomiuri said.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha January 13, 2026 03:10 UTC