Japanese leader sets up snap election on February 8

Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi has dissolved the lower house (AP)

Japan’s prime minister Sanae Takaichi has dissolved the lower house of parliament, paving the way for a snap election on February 8.

The move is an attempt to capitalise on her popularity to help governing party regain ground after major losses in recent years, but will delay parliamentary approval for a budget that aims at boosting a struggling economy and addressing soaring prices.