The decision by newly elected Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to hold the lower house election in October, instead of early or mid-November as had been speculated, is a means of striking while the iron is hot and to put the opposition on the back foot, said Research Director Sota Kato in the Straits Times.

With the improvement in the COVID-19 situation in Japan, “The thinking is possibly that Kishida can ride on the honeymoon period for a new administration and before the next COVID-19 wave hits. It is highly possible that the LDP can maintain its majority even if the opposition parties work together.”

“Fumio Kishida Sworn In as Japan’s 100th Prime Minister, to Hold General Election on Oct 31,” Straits Times
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/japan-incoming-pm-kishida-to-call-snap-election-for-lower-house-on-oct-31

Profile of Research Director Sota Kato
https://www.tkfd.or.jp/en/experts/detail.php?id=29