Japan is preparing for a likely snap election next month after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made clear her intention to dissolve the lower house of parliament.But why now, and what might a vote reportedly set for February 8 mean for the country?- Why now? -Officials from the ruling coalition said they had been notified of the premier's decision to call a vote soon after a parliamentary session begins next week.Riding high in the opinion polls, Takaichi wants to turn her momentum into a stronger grip on parliament and make it easier to push through her ambitious policy agenda including