Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Approval Drops Below 50% Amid Farm Minister Resignation

A Kyodo news agency poll conducted on October 17-18 reported that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s administration received a 49.1% approval rating. The figure represents the lowest level recorded since she assumed office in October 2025, according to the agency’s October 18 release.

The Straits Times

Farm Minister Kazuo Yana stepped down on October 14 after criticism for remarks suggesting that road-funding for municipalities would be cut if they did not support him. Takaichi had appointed Yana in a September cabinet reshuffle, but later publicly rebuked him in parliament over the same comments. The minister’s resignation followed a rapid escalation of public and media scrutiny.

Japan Times

The Kyodo poll indicated that 57.7% of respondents considered Takaichi’s decision to replace Yana “too late,” while 81.5% viewed Yana’s resignation as a natural outcome of the controversy. These figures illustrate broad public dissatisfaction with the timing of the prime minister’s response.

Japan Times

Kyodo’s analysis linked the dip in approval to the perceived sluggishness of Takaichi’s handling of Yana’s departure. The agency noted that the combination of the minister’s contentious remarks and the delayed cabinet adjustment may have eroded confidence in the prime minister’s leadership early in her tenure. As the lowest approval rating since her inauguration, the result could constrain Takaichi’s ability to advance policy initiatives without rebuilding public trust.

The Straits Times

While no specific legislative or electoral timetable has been announced, the poll’s findings suggest that Takaichi’s government will need to address the timing and communication of cabinet changes to prevent further erosion of support. Continued monitoring of public sentiment will be essential as the administration navigates its early challenges.

The Straits Times