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Takaichi’s Approval Holds Up After Agriculture Minister’s Resignation
By Drooid · · How we work
Poll Results Show Modest Decline
Recent opinion surveys indicate that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has retained relatively strong public backing despite the resignation of Agriculture Minister Kazuo Yana. A Yomiuri Shimbun poll recorded cabinet approval at roughly 57 %, a drop of two percentage points from the previous month. The Asahi Shimbun reported a similar modest fall to about 50 %, while a Sankei-FNN survey showed support edging up to 62.6 %. In contrast, an ANN poll showed a sharper decline to 47.1 %, and Kyodo News placed approval at 49.1 %, the first reading below the 50 % threshold. Even with these variations, roughly half of respondents continued to express confidence in the cabinet.
Background of the Yana Scandal
The controversy centered on former Agriculture Minister Kazuo Yana, who admitted to reducing road-funding allocations for municipalities that had not supported him in a recent election. He also faced allegations of violating election-funding rules by providing a free shuttle bus to transport supporters during two campaign periods. Yana denied any illegal conduct, asserting that his actions did not breach the law. The allegations became a focal point during parliamentary budget committee hearings, prompting intense scrutiny of Prime Minister Takaichi’s judgment in retaining him.
Government Response and Cabinet Change
Initially, Prime Minister Takaichi defended Yana’s continuation in office. As further accusations emerged, she signaled a reassessment of his position and ultimately accepted his resignation. Yana stepped down less than a month after joining the cabinet, citing concerns about hindering parliamentary work. Takaichi subsequently appointed Arata Takebe as the new agriculture minister.
Implications for Takaichi’s Leadership
Analysts note that Takaichi’s approval remains higher than that of several recent premiers at comparable points in their tenures. For example, the Asahi newspaper’s historical comparison placed former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi at 42 % after one year, whereas Takaichi’s current ratings hover around the mid-50s. The scandal has not translated into a broad rejection of the cabinet, but the mixed poll results suggest that public confidence could be sensitive to further controversies. As Takaichi approaches the end of her current term, maintaining party support and navigating any additional scandals will be crucial for any bid to retain leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party.