Japan

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Japan Poised for Early Election as Takaichi Weighs House Dissolution

Jan. 13, 2026 | Politics

Japan’s political leadership faces a pivotal decision as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi considers dissolving the House of Representatives to coincide with the opening of the Diet session on January 23, 2026.

**Takaichi’s advisers, citing domestic and international uncertainties, have urged her to call a snap election to secure an outright LDP majority.**
She spent several days in seclusion at the official residence before embarking on high-profile diplomatic visits—meeting South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on January 13 and hosting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni from January 15 to 17. Officials expect her formal announcement after the three-day Coming of Age Day holiday, with two possible schedules under discussion: issuing a public notice on January 27 for a February 8 vote, or on February 3 for a February 15 vote.

**Proceeding with dissolution before budget deliberations will delay passage of the initial fiscal 2026 budget bill, a measure critical for curbing high inflation and safeguarding people’s livelihoods.**
Opposition leaders warn that missing the fiscal-year deadline could push anti-inflation measures and social welfare programs into limbo. Komeito leader Tetsuo Saitō argues that dissolving parliament now would create a political vacuum during a key economic period, and Constitutional Democratic Party figure Yoshihiko Noda suggests the timing reflects deeper governance challenges in the administration.

**Within the ruling coalition, the election plan has generated surprise and tension.**
Many LDP members assumed dissolution would follow the April budget passage—particularly after the Democratic Party for the People signaled its willingness to cooperate—and were unsettled by the shift in Takaichi’s schedule. The Japan Innovation Party, under Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura, reports insufficient public trust in the coalition and plans to oppose the move outright. LDP Policy Affairs Committee Chairman Keiji Furuya says the party is preparing for all scenarios, though roughly 30 of 289 single-member districts still lack LDP candidates and cooperation with the Innovation Party remains unsettled in about 60 districts.

**Opposition parties are mobilizing for the potential early election.**
The Constitutional Democratic Party has declared itself combat-ready for a February vote, aiming to become the largest force in the lower house and seeking collaboration with Komeito. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party for the People—having reached a December agreement with the LDP on raising the annual income ceiling and passing the fiscal 2025 budget—now indicates it cannot guarantee support if the dissolution breaches that commitment. The stage appears set for a snap general election, pending the prime minister’s forthcoming formal decision.

Protests Intensify in Iran Amid Economic Crisis and Escalating Government Crackdown

Jan. 13, 2026 | Politics

Widespread protests in Iran have erupted in response to economic hardship and mounting political tensions.

**Anti-government demonstrations began on December 28 as a severe currency crisis and surging inflation, driven largely by European and US sanctions, intensified public frustration.**
While protesters first took to the streets over rising prices and dwindling living standards, their demands have expanded to call for broader political reforms. Now in their third week, large-scale rallies continue across major cities, including Tehran.

**To suppress the protests, security forces have detained 2,638 people, among them medical personnel and seven minors.**
Human rights observers report heavy casualties: a US-based group records 116 fatalities—many victims of live ammunition or pellet guns—while Reuters tallies 490 protesters and 48 security personnel killed since the unrest began. According to medical workers in Tehran, a significant share of these deaths occurred in the capital.

**Amid the government’s crackdown, exiled former crown prince Reza Pahlavi has urged protesters to occupy city centers and launch strikes in vital sectors such as transportation and industry.**
His calls have coincided with intensifying demonstrations and growing public support for coordinated action against the government’s economic and political policies.

**On the international stage, President Donald Trump has condemned Iran’s use of force against demonstrators and affirmed his administration’s willingness to support them.**
The New York Times reports he has been briefed on potential military options against Iran, though he has not authorized any strikes. Through social media, he has reiterated his backing for the protesters and warned of possible military repercussions if Tehran escalates its crackdown.

**Responding to US statements, Iranian officials have threatened the United States and Israel against any intervention.**
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that US military and maritime facilities would become legitimate targets if attacked, stressing Iran’s right to preemptive self-defense. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the US and Israel of fomenting unrest and cautioned that any hostile action against Iran would bring negative repercussions for those countries.

**Within Iran, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has described preserving internal order as a non-negotiable red line, indicating its readiness to use force if necessary.**
President Masoud Pezeshkian denounced US and Israeli involvement, accusing them of orchestrating chaos and even mosque attacks while affirming citizens’ right to protest. Meanwhile, Qalibaf reiterated that any US assault would prompt retaliatory strikes on American bases in Israel and across the region.

**With tensions escalating on both fronts, Trump plans to meet senior officials to consider potential responses, including military options.**
The international community remains deeply concerned about the unfolding crisis, where domestic unrest and geopolitical stakes continue to rise in tandem.

Monitored Intelligence for Japan - Jan. 13, 2026

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Honda launches electric motorcycle in Vietnam

NHK | English | News | Jan. 13, 2026 | UndeterminedTech Development/Adoption

Honda Motor has launched a new electric motorcycle in Vietnam ahead of stricter environmental regulations. The model was unveiled in Hanoi and targets the market impacted by the upcoming ban on gasoline bikes in central Hanoi starting in July, aimed at reducing air pollution. Honda currently holds an 80 percent share of the Vietnamese motorbike market.

The new electric motorcycle has a top speed of 80 kilometers per hour and can travel up to 120 kilometers on a single charge. Honda plans to start sales in June. The company faces growing competition from domestic manufacturers offering low-priced models and other competitors as the market shifts toward electric bikes.

Honda Vietnam’s head, Arai Sayaka, emphasized the company’s superior expertise compared to competitors and indicated a focus on developing charging infrastructure to support the electric bike market.

2nd round of voting takes place in Myanmar's junta-run general election

NHK | English | News | Jan. 13, 2026 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

Voters in Myanmar participated in the second round of the junta-run general election on Sunday, with voting taking place in various townships, including Yangon. The election excludes democratic factions, and the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is widely expected to secure victory.

The election is occurring in three phases amid an ongoing civil war between the military, which took power in a coup five years ago, and pro-democracy forces. The military claims the election aims to transition to civilian rule. The first phase, held in 102 townships, resulted in the USDP winning over 80 percent of parliamentary seats, making its overall victory virtually certain.

The third and final phase of voting is scheduled for January 25, with results anticipated within the month. The legitimacy of the election has been broadly criticized internationally, raising questions about how the global community will respond to the military's continued influence through the USDP's expected dominance.

Blizzard conditions along Sea of Japan to peak through Monday morning

NHK | English | News | Jan. 13, 2026 | Extreme Weather Events

Blizzard conditions are impacting northern to western Japan, primarily along the Sea of Japan coast, with severity expected to peak through Monday morning. The Japan Meteorological Agency attributes the heavy snow and strong winds to a robust winter pressure pattern combined with a cold air mass. Wind speeds reached up to 115.2 kilometers per hour on Miyake-jima, with other locations such as Tottori Airport and Kanazawa City also experiencing significant gusts.

Snowfall is intensifying across the Tohoku to Hokuriku regions, with some areas already experiencing blizzard conditions. Snow accumulations have varied widely, including 1.29 meters in Uonuma City, 95 centimeters in Tadami Town, 56 centimeters in Otaru City, and 33 centimeters in Yonezawa City. Forecasts predict further substantial snowfall through Monday evening, with mountainous areas in the Tohoku region expecting up to 80 centimeters, and other regions like Niigata, Gifu, northern Kanto, Hokuriku, Hokkaido, Kinki, Nagano, and Chugoku seeing varying amounts from 30 to 70 centimeters.

Strong winds will persist, with predicted maximum speeds reaching 90 kilometers per hour on the Izu Islands and up to 126 kilometers per hour as instantaneous gusts in affected areas. High waves and rough seas are also anticipated. Authorities have issued warnings concerning severe weather impacts, including heavy snow, snowdrifts, transportation disruptions, power outages, avalanches, falling snow from roofs, and the potential for lightning strikes and tornadoes due to unstable atmospheric conditions.

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