Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's call for a snap election had rattled markets and triggered a sharp selloff in Japanese Government Bonds.

Japan's first female prime minister, who took office last October, has said she would “immediately resign” if the coalition fails to secure control of the powerful lower chamber.

Japan and Thailand are heading for snap elections triggered by rising regional tensions, with both leaders turning to nationalist messaging to rally voter support — but early signs suggest the strategy is working very differently in the two countries.