19:32 (10:32)â˘Parliament Dissolves: Election Amidst Scandal
â¨The newspapers extensively report on the dissolution of Japan's Lower House and the upcoming snap election on October 27 (Asahi, Chunichi, Hokkaido, Mainichi, NHK, Nikkei, Sankei, TBS, Yahoo). Prime Minister Ishiba's decision is criticized as an attempt to divert attention from the LDP's slush fund scandal (NHK, TBS). The handling of politicians involved in the scandal remains a key election issue, with the LDP denying endorsement to 12 lawmakers (Asahi, Mainichi, Sankei).