The Japanese political world is in a frenzy, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expected to announce on Monday her intention to dissolve the Lower House this month and call a snap election for Feb. 8.

She will also explain her reasons for the rare mid-winter snap election. Opposition parties are announcing their preparations for the vote and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party is finalizing its candidates.

The most remarkable development thus far is that Komeito and the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan have announced they will form a new political party, although the feasibility of doing so within such a short time frame remains unclear. An image of assembling something with chewing gum and tape comes to mind.