Emperor To Leave Country On Jun 17-23 Despite Speculation Of Possible House Dissolution

The Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) election czar Hiroshi Moriyama appeared to confirm potential for a snap general election today as he told TBS that should the opposition table a motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's government, it would constitute a legitimate reason for dissolving the legislature.

• Local media outlets reported that LDP factions held a series of meetings yesterday and discussed the issue of a potential dissolution of the House of Representatives. Party veteran Toshihiro Nikai said that the LDP "need to prepare [for the dissolution]" no matter when it happens.
• The current session of the Diet ends on June 21 and it is customary for the opposition to table a motion of no-confidence around that time. Main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan leader Kenta Izumi flagged the possibility of following that tradition this year, albeit Nippon Ishin no Kai leader Nobuyuki Baba said there was no reason to do so at present.
• Some observers of Japanese politics were surprised to learn today that Emperor Naruhito will visit Indonesia between June 17 and 23, given that all such foreign trips are coordinated with the Prime Minister's Office. The monarch is the one who formally dissolves parliament, acting on the advice of his Cabinet.
• Mainichi notes that in case of the Emperor's absence, Crown Prince Akishino could be asked to act on his behalf, although dissolving the legislature in such circumstances would be unprecedented. However, some lawmakers reportedly suspect that the current Diet session could be extended until June 26 amid a tight legislative schedule.