Japan PM's approval slips below 50% for first time since taking office

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's cabinet approval rating has fallen below the 50% mark for the first time since she took office in October, according to a Jiji Press opinion poll published on July 16, signaling a decline in public support despite her strong electoral mandate earlier this year.

The survey found approval for Takaichi's government at 49%, with the steepest decline recorded among voters in their 60s. Support within the age group dropped sharply from 63.7% last month to 39.9%, Japan Today reports.

Despite the downturn, respondents who continue to back the government cited Takaichi's "leadership" and "trustworthiness" as the main reasons for their support.

Among those dissatisfied with the administration, the most frequently cited reasons were "cannot hope for much" and "poor policies," reflecting growing concerns over the government's performance.

Takaichi strengthened her political position in February by securing a decisive victory in snap lower house elections, aided in part by strong support from younger voters drawn to her diplomatic approach, relatability, and the political change she represented as Japan's first female prime minister.

However, her administration has also faced mounting criticism over several policy positions. In November, Takaichi suggested Tokyo could intervene militarily in the event of an attack on self-governed Taiwan, a stance that strained relations with China, which considers the island part of its territory.

More recently, nearly 150 Japanese academics submitted a petition to lawmakers opposing her government's proposed legislation to criminalize the desecration of Japan's national flag.

At the same time, easing inflation has provided some political relief for the prime minister after soaring prices contributed to the rapid departures of her two predecessors. Even so, the latest poll suggests that economic improvements have yet to reverse the recent erosion in public confidence in her government.

By Vafa Guliyeva