Tokyo (Japan), 23 January (LaPresse) – Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has dissolved the lower house of parliament, paving the way for early elections on 8 February. The move is an attempt to capitalise on her popularity to help the ruling party regain ground after heavy losses in recent years, but it will delay a vote on a budget aimed at reviving a struggling economy and countering soaring prices. Takaichi was elected in October as Japan's first female leader.