Approval ratings for Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's cabinet dropped to 55.8% in the latest Kyodo News poll, released on Sunday (June 19). This marks the lowest level since the cabinet was formed last October, reflecting prolonged instability in the resource-poor nation as it grapples with the economic fallout from the Middle East conflict.
The two-day survey on June 18-19 involved 1,000 respondents nationwide. Results showed a 2.1 percentage point decrease in support compared to the previous poll, the lowest since Takaichi took office. Meanwhile, disapproval of the cabinet rose to 38.2%.
The primary driver is growing concern over soaring energy and commodity prices due to the Middle East conflict, directly impacting Japan's economy. Additionally, the cabinet's economic policies have faced criticism for being ineffective in tackling inflation and weakening consumer spending.
Notably, on the same day, the Japanese government announced it would quintuple visa issuance fees for foreigners from 3,000 yen to 15,000 yen, effective July 2026. The move is expected to boost budget revenue but has also sparked concerns over its impact on tourism and the economy.
The sharp decline in approval poses a major challenge for Prime Minister Takaichi as she prepares for local elections in July. Analysts suggest that if ratings continue to fall, the cabinet's credibility could be severely damaged, affecting the government's economic reform and foreign policy plans.
