Japan's cabinet approves decision to dissolve lower house

TOKYO - Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's cabinet on Friday adopted a decision to dissolve the House of Representatives.

Later in the afternoon, the lower house will formally disband at the outset of this year's ordinary parliamentary session.

Takaichi, who took office in October, announced on Monday that she will dissolve the 465-seat lower house on Friday, with a general election scheduled for Feb 8, aiming to capitalize on her cabinet's current high approval ratings.