Even in Nagatacho, the epicenter of Japanese politics, telling a lie in public is considered ethically unacceptable for a politician — at least officially.

But it's a widely held belief that there are two exceptions: politicians can fib about their health and obfuscate about dissolving the Lower House to call a snap election.

Indeed, many prime ministers have lied about their intentions and suddenly dissolved the chamber for a snap election, often catching opposition parties unprepared.