Declining Approval Hits Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Cabinet

A Jiji Press poll released this week shows that public approval for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Cabinet fell to 44.1 % in September, a decline of 4.3 percentage points from the previous month. The figure marks the lowest level recorded since Takaichi assumed the premiership in October of the previous year. The survey also indicates that 29.3 % of respondents expressed no support for the Cabinet, up 2.4 points from the prior month. The decline has persisted for four consecutive months.

Japan Times

The poll was conducted over a four-day period ending on Monday and was commissioned by Jiji Press. Respondents were asked to rate their overall approval of the Cabinet’s performance. The data reveal a steady erosion of confidence, with the “no-support” segment expanding alongside the drop in overall approval.

Japan Times

Takaichi’s government has faced a series of challenges since taking office, including debates over fiscal policy, security legislation, and responses to natural-disaster recovery efforts. The cumulative effect of these issues appears to be reflected in the public’s waning confidence, as indicated by the latest survey trends.

Japan Times

The downward trajectory in approval could constrain the Cabinet’s ability to advance its legislative agenda, particularly if the trend influences parliamentary dynamics or prompts calls for policy recalibration. Political analysts note that sustained low approval may pressure the Prime Minister to adjust communication strategies or prioritize high-visibility initiatives to restore public trust.

Japan Times

With the next major policy proposals slated for discussion in the upcoming parliamentary session, the administration’s capacity to garner sufficient backing may hinge on reversing the current approval slump. Continued monitoring of public sentiment will be crucial for assessing the Cabinet’s political durability.

Japan Times