Image Credits : The Japan News
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s Cabinet maintains an approval rating of 25%, as reported by the latest Yomiuri Shimbun poll conducted over the weekend. This figure remains nearly unchanged from the 23% approval seen in the previous month, which marked the lowest level since the Cabinet’s formation in October 2021. The Cabinet’s approval has persistently hovered in the 20% range for nine consecutive months.
The disapproval rating for the Cabinet has slightly decreased to 62%, down from 64% in the June 21-23 survey. Among the disapproving respondents, the most cited reason, at 31%, is a lack of confidence in the Cabinet’s policies. This is followed by 21% distrusting the prime minister and 20% believing Kishida lacks sufficient leadership.
Supporters of the Cabinet predominantly cite a lack of fair options with, 57% stating there is no person to replace Kishida. Additionally, 20% of supporters applaud the government led by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
The government plans to reinstate a subsidy program for electricity and gas bills in response to rising prices from August to October. This measure is viewed positively by 71% of respondents, while 26% are critical of it.
Regarding the timing of the next House of Representatives election, 41% of respondents favour holding it within this year. This is followed by 27% who prefer waiting until the current lawmakers’ term expires in October next year, 12% who suggest aligning it with the House of Councillors election next summer, and 11% advocating for early next year.
The LDP’s support rate has slightly declined to 24% from 25% last month. Support for both the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Japan Innovation Party fell from 6% to 5%, while support for Komeito and the Japanese Communist Party remained steady at 3% and 2%, respectively. Those not supporting any specific party increased to 54% from 47%.
The survey included voters aged 18 and older, with 740 households reached via landline and 1,740 via cell phone, selected through random digit dialling. Valid responses were obtained from 1,031 individuals—420 via landline and 611 via cell phone. The response rate was 57% for landlines and 35% for cell phones.
Figures have been rounded to the nearest whole number. Percentages in the graph may not total 100%.