Japan's PM Abe might hold snap election early to capitalize increased popularity

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe might capitalize his rising popularity over North Korean tensions and the recent cabinet reshuffle by holding an early snap election. Mr. Abe reportedly considering this option after his rating decline ended and improved. There is no election due in Japan until next year, however, he feels that holding a snap election could be greatly beneficial to his position as the rating for opposition Democratic Party remain in single digit amid leadership chaos.

Though such a move is not a certainty, reports in Japanese mainstream media suggests that Prime Minister Abe might dissolve the parliament when it convenes on September 28th, which would open the way to an election October 22nd or early November.  

Some political analysts are suggesting that this election rumor is like testing the ground via media reports about the appetite among the public for a snap election as there is always risk involved.