Kishida-Timing Of Election Depends On 'Various Future Conditions': Jiji

Wires reporting Jiji Press relaying comments from Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stating that the "Timing of dissolving parliament to seek [a] public mandate would depend on various future conditions." Earlier today Japan Times also reportedthat Kishida could be considering calling a snap election following the G7 leaders summit taking place in Hiroshima at the end of the week.

• Any action now would be a significant gamble by Kishida, given that the next general election is not due until October 2025 at the latest. Before that, Kishida faces re-election as head of the governing conservative Liberal Democratic Party.
• Japan Times reports that Kishida could be considering pushing the election up based on a recovery of his approval ratings to around 50% and relatively strong performances for the LDP in recent by-elections. It also notes the sizeable risk of calling an election based solely on these factors.