Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she will call a national election for February 8 to seek voter backing for increased spending, tax cuts and a new security strategy expected to accelerate Japan's defence build-up. "I am staking my own political future as prime minister on this election. I want the public to judge directly whether they will entrust me with the management of the nation," Takaichi said in a press conference. She promised a two-year halt to an 8% consumption tax on food