Opposition braces for snap poll

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s high approval ratings are prodding opposition parties to ramp up preparations in case she calls an early election, the Yomiuri newspaper reported yesterday.

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Takaichi: Has high approval rating

A snap election, which some analysts say could come as soon as January, would affect the administration’s economic policies including deliberations over Japan's annual long-term fiscal blueprint, due around June next year.

Depending on when a vote might be called, it could also affect the timing and pace of interest rate hikes by the Bank of Japan, which typically avoids making big policy changes ahead of elections.