Japan’s prime minister calls snap election as approval ratings ride high

Sanae Takaichi has told senior figures in the ruling LDP she intends to dissolve the lower house on 23 January

Japan's prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, has called a snap election as she attempts to capitalise on high approval ratings since becoming the country's first female prime minister three months ago.

Takaichi, a conservative who is embroiled in a deepening dispute with China over the security of Taiwan, said on Monday she would dissolve the lower house of the Diet - Japan's parliament - on 23 January, with an election to follow on 8 February.