[Breaking News]General election in Japan

TOKYO, Japan, Jan. 27 Kyodo - Democratic Party for the People leader Yuichiro Tamaki makes a stump speech in Tokyo on Jan. 27, 2026, as official campaigning begins across Japan for the House of Representatives election on Feb. 8. (Kyodo)

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Democratic Party for the People leader Yuichiro Tamaki makes a stump speech in southwestern Japan city in Fukuoka on Jan. 28, 2026, as official campaigning began the previous day for the House of Representatives election on Feb. 8.

General election in Japan

General election in Japan

Democratic Party for the People leader Yuichiro Tamaki makes a stump speech in Tokyo on Jan. 27, 2026, as official campaigning begins across Japan for the House of Representatives election on Feb. 8.

General election in Japan

General election in Japan

Democratic Party for the People leader Yuichiro Tamaki makes a stump speech in Tokyo on Jan. 27, 2026, as official campaigning begins across Japan for the House of Representatives election on Feb. 8

General election in Japan

General election in Japan

Democratic Party for the People leader Yuichiro Tamaki makes a stump speech in Tokyo on Jan. 27, 2026, as official campaigning begins across Japan for the House of Representatives election on Feb. 8

Debate by leaders of Japanese political parties

Debate by leaders of Japanese political parties

(from L) Japanese Communist Party leader Tomoko Tamura, Democratic Party for the People leader Yuichiro Tamaki, Centrist Reform Alliance co-leader Yoshihiko Noda, Prime Minister and Liberal Democratic Party head Sanae Takaichi, Japan Innovation Party co-leader Fumitake Fujita, Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya and Reiwa Shinsengumi co-leader Akiko Oishi attend a debate session at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on Jan. 26, 2026, a day before official campaigning for the Feb. 8 general election starts.

Debate by leaders of Japanese political parties

Debate by leaders of Japanese political parties

(from L) Japanese Communist Party leader Tomoko Tamura, Democratic Party for the People leader Yuichiro Tamaki, Centrist Reform Alliance co-leader Yoshihiko Noda, Prime Minister and Liberal Democratic Party head Sanae Takaichi, Japan Innovation Party co-leader Fumitake Fujita, Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya and Reiwa Shinsengumi co-leader Akiko Oishi attend a debate session at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on Jan. 26, 2026, a day before official campaigning for the Feb. 8 general election starts.

Japanese political parties' leaders

Japanese political parties' leaders

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C), who heads the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, attends a debate with leaders of other political parties at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on Jan. 26, 2026. Participants of the debate session set prior to a general election on Feb. 8 are (from L) Japanese Communist Party leader Tomoko Tamura, Democratic Party for the People leader Yuichiro Tamaki, Centrist Reform Alliance co-leader Yoshihiko Noda, (from 5th from L) Japan Innovation Party co-leader Fumitake Fujita, Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya and Reiwa Shinsengumi co-leader Akiko Oishi.

Japanese political parties' leaders

Japanese political parties' leaders

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C), who heads the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, poses with leaders of other political parties before a debate session at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on Jan. 26, 2026. Participants of the debate session set prior to a general election on Feb. 8 are (from L) Japanese Communist Party leader Tomoko Tamura, Democratic Party for the People leader Yuichiro Tamaki, Centrist Reform Alliance co-leader Yoshihiko Noda, (from 5th from L) Japan Innovation Party co-leader Fumitake Fujita, Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya and Reiwa Shinsengumi co-leader Akiko Oishi.

Japanese political parties' leaders

Japanese political parties' leaders

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C), who heads the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, poses with leaders of other political parties before a debate session at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on Jan. 26, 2026. Participants of the debate session set prior to a general election on Feb. 8 are (from L) Japanese Communist Party leader Tomoko Tamura, Democratic Party for the People leader Yuichiro Tamaki, Centrist Reform Alliance co-leader Yoshihiko Noda, (from 5th from L) Japan Innovation Party co-leader Fumitake Fujita, Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya and Reiwa Shinsengumi co-leader Akiko Oishi.

Japanese political parties' leaders

Japanese political parties' leaders

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C), who heads the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, poses with leaders of other political parties before a debate session at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on Jan. 26, 2026. Participants of the debate session set prior to a general election on Feb. 8 are (from L) Japanese Communist Party leader Tomoko Tamura, Democratic Party for the People leader Yuichiro Tamaki, Centrist Reform Alliance co-leader Yoshihiko Noda, (from 5th from L) Japan Innovation Party co-leader Fumitake Fujita, Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya and Reiwa Shinsengumi co-leader Akiko Oishi.

Japanese political parties' leaders

Japanese political parties' leaders

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C), who heads the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, poses with leaders of other political parties before a debate session at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on Jan. 26, 2026. Participants of the debate session set prior to a general election on Feb. 8 are (from L) Japanese Communist Party leader Tomoko Tamura, Democratic Party for the People leader Yuichiro Tamaki, Centrist Reform Alliance co-leader Yoshihiko Noda, (from 5th from L) Japan Innovation Party co-leader Fumitake Fujita, Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya and Reiwa Shinsengumi co-leader Akiko Oishi.

Japan defense minister meets Okinawa gov.

Japan defense minister meets Okinawa gov.

Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki speaks to reporters following a meeting with Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in Naha, capital of the southern Japan island prefecture of Okinawa, on Jan. 8, 2026.

Japan defense minister meets Okinawa gov.

Japan defense minister meets Okinawa gov.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (L) holds talks with Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki in Naha, capital of the southern Japan island prefecture of Okinawa, on Jan. 8, 2026.

Japan defense minister meets Okinawa gov.

Japan defense minister meets Okinawa gov.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi speaks to reporters following a meeting with Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki in Naha, capital of the southern Japan island prefecture of Okinawa, on Jan. 8, 2026.

Los Angeles Premiere Of Lionsgate's 'The Housemaid'

Los Angeles Premiere Of Lionsgate's 'The Housemaid'

American actress Ellen Tamaki arrives at the Los Angeles Premiere Of Lionsgate's 'The Housemaid' held at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX on December 15, 2025 in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States. Photo by Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/ABACAPRESS.COM

Los Angeles Premiere Of Lionsgate's 'The Housemaid'

Los Angeles Premiere Of Lionsgate's 'The Housemaid'

American actress Ellen Tamaki arrives at the Los Angeles Premiere Of Lionsgate's 'The Housemaid' held at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX on December 15, 2025 in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States. Photo by Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/ABACAPRESS.COM

Los Angeles Premiere Of Lionsgate's 'The Housemaid'

Los Angeles Premiere Of Lionsgate's 'The Housemaid'

American actress Ellen Tamaki arrives at the Los Angeles Premiere Of Lionsgate's 'The Housemaid' held at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX on December 15, 2025 in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States. Photo by Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/ABACAPRESS.COM

Los Angeles Premiere Of Lionsgate's 'The Housemaid'

Los Angeles Premiere Of Lionsgate's 'The Housemaid'

American actress Ellen Tamaki arrives at the Los Angeles Premiere Of Lionsgate's 'The Housemaid' held at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX on December 15, 2025 in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States. Photo by Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/ABACAPRESS.COM

Los Angeles Premiere Of Lionsgate's 'The Housemaid'

Los Angeles Premiere Of Lionsgate's 'The Housemaid'

American actress Ellen Tamaki arrives at the Los Angeles Premiere Of Lionsgate's 'The Housemaid' held at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX on December 15, 2025 in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States. Photo by Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/ABACAPRESS.COM

Los Angeles Premiere Of Lionsgate's 'The Housemaid'

Los Angeles Premiere Of Lionsgate's 'The Housemaid'

American actress Ellen Tamaki arrives at the Los Angeles Premiere Of Lionsgate's 'The Housemaid' held at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX on December 15, 2025 in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States. Photo by Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/ABACAPRESS.COM

Los Angeles Premiere Of Lionsgate's 'The Housemaid'

Los Angeles Premiere Of Lionsgate's 'The Housemaid'

American actress Ellen Tamaki arrives at the Los Angeles Premiere Of Lionsgate's 'The Housemaid' held at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX on December 15, 2025 in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States. Photo by Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/ABACAPRESS.COM

‘The Housemaid’ Los Angeles Premiere

‘The Housemaid’ Los Angeles Premiere

Ellen Tamaki arriving to “The Housemaid” Los Angeles premiere held at the TCL Chinese Theatre on December 15, 2025 in Hollywood, Ca. Photo by Starbuck/AFF/ABACAPRESS.COM

‘The Housemaid’ Los Angeles Premiere

‘The Housemaid’ Los Angeles Premiere

Ellen Tamaki arriving to “The Housemaid” Los Angeles premiere held at the TCL Chinese Theatre on December 15, 2025 in Hollywood, Ca. Photo by Starbuck/AFF/ABACAPRESS.COM

‘The Housemaid’ Los Angeles Premiere

‘The Housemaid’ Los Angeles Premiere

Ellen Tamaki arriving to “The Housemaid” Los Angeles premiere held at the TCL Chinese Theatre on December 15, 2025 in Hollywood, Ca. Photo by Starbuck/AFF/ABACAPRESS.COM

‘The Housemaid’ Los Angeles Premiere

‘The Housemaid’ Los Angeles Premiere

Ellen Tamaki arriving to “The Housemaid” Los Angeles premiere held at the TCL Chinese Theatre on December 15, 2025 in Hollywood, Ca. Photo by Starbuck/AFF/ABACAPRESS.COM

‘The Housemaid’ Los Angeles Premiere

‘The Housemaid’ Los Angeles Premiere

Ellen Tamaki arriving to “The Housemaid” Los Angeles premiere held at the TCL Chinese Theatre on December 15, 2025 in Hollywood, Ca. Photo by Starbuck/AFF/ABACAPRESS.COM

‘The Housemaid’ Los Angeles Premiere

‘The Housemaid’ Los Angeles Premiere

Ellen Tamaki arriving to “The Housemaid” Los Angeles premiere held at the TCL Chinese Theatre on December 15, 2025 in Hollywood, Ca. Photo by Starbuck/AFF/ABACAPRESS.COM

‘The Housemaid’ Los Angeles Premiere

‘The Housemaid’ Los Angeles Premiere

Ellen Tamaki arriving to “The Housemaid” Los Angeles premiere held at the TCL Chinese Theatre on December 15, 2025 in Hollywood, Ca. Photo by Starbuck/AFF/ABACAPRESS.COM

'The Housemaid' New York Premiere

'The Housemaid' New York Premiere

Ellen Tamaki attending 'The Housemaid' New York Premiere held at 787 on Seventh on December 2, 2025 in New York City, NY Photo bySteven Bergman/AFF/ABACAPRESS.COM

'The Housemaid' New York Premiere

'The Housemaid' New York Premiere

Ellen Tamaki attending 'The Housemaid' New York Premiere held at 787 on Seventh on December 2, 2025 in New York City, NY Photo bySteven Bergman/AFF/ABACAPRESS.COM

Landfill work begins for U.S. base transfer within Okinawa

Landfill work begins for U.S. base transfer within Okinawa

Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki meets the press at the prefectural headquarters in Naha on Nov. 28, 2025, as work gets under way to dump landfill into Oura Bay off the Henoko coastal area in Nago, Okinawa Prefecture, for the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station within the southern Japan island prefecture.

Party leaders' debate in parliament

Party leaders' debate in parliament

Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the opposition Democratic Party for the People, asks Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi a question during a party leaders' debate in parliament in Tokyo on Nov. 26, 2025.

Tokyo International Film Festival

Tokyo International Film Festival

Actor Takanori Iwata and actress Tamaki Shiratori appear on the red carpet during the opening day of the Tokyo International Film Festival in the Japanese capital on Oct. 27, 2025.

Tokyo International Film Festival

Tokyo International Film Festival

Actor Takanori Iwata and actress Tamaki Shiratori appear on the red carpet during the opening day of the Tokyo International Film Festival in the Japanese capital on Oct. 27, 2025.

Parliamentary election to choose Japan's next PM

Parliamentary election to choose Japan's next PM

Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the opposition Democratic Party for the People, casts a vote in an election to choose Japan's next prime minister during a House of Representatives plenary session in Tokyo on Oct. 21, 2025, after the Cabinet of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba resigned en masse earlier in the day.

Parliamentary election to choose Japan's next PM

Parliamentary election to choose Japan's next PM

Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the opposition Democratic Party for the People, casts a vote in an election to choose Japan's next prime minister during a House of Representatives plenary session in Tokyo on Oct. 21, 2025, after the Cabinet of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba resigned en masse earlier in the day.

Japan party leaders hold talks in Tokyo

Japan party leaders hold talks in Tokyo

Japan's new ruling Liberal Democratic Party President Sanae Takaichi (R) holds talks in Tokyo with Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the opposition Democratic Party for the People, on Oct. 15, 2025, amid uncertainty over whether Takaichi will be able to win enough votes to become premier during an extraordinary parliamentary session starting Oct. 21.

Japan party leaders hold talks in Tokyo

Japan party leaders hold talks in Tokyo

(From L) Yuichiro Tamaki, chief of the Democratic Party for the People, Yoshihiko Noda, head of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, and Fumitake Fujita, co-leader of the Japan Innovation Party, meet in Tokyo on Oct. 15, 2025, to discuss possible cooperation to oust the Liberal Democratic Party from power when parliament elects the next prime minister.

Japan LDP leadership election

Japan LDP leadership election

Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki meets the press in Uruma in the southern island prefecture of Okinawa on Oct. 4, 2025, following former internal affairs minister Sanae Takaichi's victory in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's presidential election.

Japan opposition DPP head Tamaki

Japan opposition DPP head Tamaki

Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the opposition Democratic Party for the People, speaks at a press conference in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2025.

Japan opposition DPP head Tamaki

Japan opposition DPP head Tamaki

Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the opposition Democratic Party for the People, speaks at a press conference in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2025.

Upper house election in Japan

Upper house election in Japan

Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the opposition Democratic Party for the People, smiles during a media interview in Tokyo on July 20, 2025, as the results of the House of Councillors election come in.

Upper house election in Japan

Upper house election in Japan

Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the opposition Democratic Party for the People, speaks during a media interview in Tokyo on July 20, 2025, as the results of the House of Councillors election come in.

Upper house election in Japan

Upper house election in Japan

Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the opposition Democratic Party for the People, speaks during a media interview in Tokyo on July 20, 2025, as the results of the House of Councillors election come in.

Upper house election in Japan

Upper house election in Japan

Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the opposition Democratic Party for the People, speaks during a media interview in Tokyo on July 20, 2025, as the results of the House of Councillors election come in.

Upper house election campaigning

Upper house election campaigning

Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the opposition Democratic Party for the People, makes a stump speech in Osaka on July 7, 2025, ahead of the July 20 House of Councillors election.

Japan upper house election debate

Japan upper house election debate

Leaders of eight Japanese political parties -- (from L) Sohei Kamiya of the Sanseito party, Tomoko Tamura of the Japanese Communist Party, Tetsuo Saito of the Komeito party, Yoshihiko Noda of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, head of the Liberal Democratic Party, Hirofumi Yoshimura of the Japan Innovation Party, Yuichiro Tamaki of the Democratic Party for the People and Taro Yamamoto of the Reiwa Shinsengumi party -- pose for a photo at a debate at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on July 2, 2025, a day before official campaigning begins for the July 20 House of Councillors election.

Japan upper house election campaign

Japan upper house election campaign

Yuichiro Tamaki, head of the small opposition Democratic Party for the People, makes a stump speech in Tokyo on July 3, 2025, as official campaigning begins for the July 20 House of Councillors election.

Japan upper house election debate

Japan upper house election debate

Yuichiro Tamaki, head of the small opposition Democratic Party for the People, speaks during a debate with other political party leaders at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on July 2, 2025, a day before official campaigning begins for the July 20 House of Councillors election.