Foreign residents in Japan may soon witness a snap general election as speculation intensifies that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi could dissolve the House of Representatives when the ordinary Diet session convenes next week. The political uncertainty has sent both ruling and opposition parties scrambling to prepare for what could be an unexpected trip to the polls. According to NHK, the possibility of dissolution at the beginning of the ordinary Diet session has become a dominant topic across Japan's political landscape. The speculation has grown so widespread that all major parties are now accelerating their election preparations, treating an early vote as increasingly likely rather than merely possible. The timing of a potential dissolution has raised questions among political observers. During NHK's Sunday Debate program on January 11, party leaders from across the political spectrum discussed their readiness for a snap election. Prime Minister Takaichi herself appeared on the program, though she focused her remarks on preparations for a planned spring visit to the United States to meet with President Trump, discussing cooperation on diplomatic, economic, and security matters. For expats living in Japan, an early election could mean a period of political transition and potential policy shifts. While foreign residents without Japanese citizenship cannot vote in national elections, the outcome will directly affect policies on immigration, taxation, labor regulations, and international relations—all areas that significantly impact the expatriate community. The speculation comes at a time when Japan faces multiple challenges, including persistent inflation and rising living costs. According to NHK reports, some voices within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) argue that the government should prioritize passing the budget and allowing citizens to feel the effects of inflation countermeasures before calling an election. This internal debate highlights the tension between political strategy and policy implementation. Political analysts quoted in Japanese media suggest the current timing may be seen as advantageous for the ruling party. The calculus involves various factors, including public opinion polls, the opposition's preparedness, and the government's ability to claim credit for recent policy initiatives. However, the decision to dissolve parliament remains solely with the prime minister, and no official announcement has been made. The opposition parties, aware of the mounting speculation, have publicly stated their readiness to contest an election. Multiple party leaders used the January 11 Sunday Debate platform to outline their policy priorities and criticism of the current government, effectively launching into campaign mode even without an official election call. For the business community, including many expat professionals, political uncertainty can create short-term market volatility and potentially delay policy decisions. Companies may postpone major initiatives until after election results provide clarity on the government's direction. Foreign investors and international businesses operating in Japan typically monitor these developments closely, as election outcomes can influence regulatory environments and economic policies. The ordinary Diet session, expected to convene next week, will be crucial. If Prime Minister Takaichi does dissolve the lower house at the session's opening, the election would need to be held within 40 days of dissolution, according to Japanese electoral law. This would place the vote sometime in late February or early March 2026. Whether or not dissolution occurs, the current speculation reflects the fluid nature of Japanese politics. The country has experienced several snap elections in recent decades, and prime ministers have historically used the dissolution power strategically to maximize their party's electoral advantage. Expats should stay informed about political developments through reliable news sources, as government transitions can affect everything from visa processing times to the implementation of new policies. While the immediate impact on daily life may be minimal, understanding Japan's political landscape helps foreign residents navigate their long-term plans in the country.