Takaichi Cabinet retains high approval ratings despite challenges

Despite sustained opposition questioning and a turbulent final stretch in parliament, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has retained unusually strong public support, with her Cabinet’s approval ratings remaining close to levels recorded when the parliamentary session convened in February.

An NHK poll conducted back in March put support for her Cabinet at 59%, while a JNN survey showed an approval rating of 71.8%.

With the 150-day session due to end July 17, the latest polls conducted this month by the two broadcasters put support at 58% and 65.9%, respectively. The figures represent a decline of just 1 percentage point in the NHK poll and 5.9 points in the JNN survey over the course of the session.