Briefly: Seoul court ends law requiring real names online

JAPAN

Report: Noda to call election in November

TOKYO — Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has told top opposition politicians he plans to call a general election in early November, Kyodo news agency reported Thursday.

The agency cited senior lawmakers from the opposition Liberal Democratic Party as its source, but did not immediately give further details.

Mr. Noda was forced to promise the opposition an early general election to gain its support in parliament two weeks ago for a bill to double Japan’s sales tax.

The legislation was an attempt to partially plug the country’s vast deficit, and was supported by international bodies, newspapers and most domestic commentators.

But surveys show less than half the electorate approved.

Its passage was a rare tangible achievement in the revolving door world of Japanese leaders that has seen six prime ministers in as many years, but could cost Mr. Noda, who has only been in office for 11 months, his job.

• From wire dispatches and staff reports