Japan's lower house of parliament, the House of Representatives, was Friday officially dissolved ahead of general elections scheduled for Dec 16.
Speaker Takahiro Yokomichi read out the imperial decree signed by Emperor Akihito to parliament, proclaiming the dissolution, Xinhua reported.
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said he will explain the dissolution to the people.
"I will resolutely face the public," Noda was quoted as saying.
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