The Nikkei this morning, saying "Japanese political circles are abuzz" over whether PM Abe will call a snap election this year.

The paper points out:

  • Abe did so in November 2014, just under two years after his return to office and well before the end of Diet members' four-year terms

The piece outlines what might be motivating Abe; on timing it suggest:

  • could come in conjunction with two October 22 by-elections
  • Or afterward, toward the end of the year, if the LDP wins those races

The link is here for more