Politics Takaichi approval rates drop to 58%

[thomas]

Support for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's Cabinet stood at 58% in a weekend poll by the Mainichi Shimbun, down three points from 61% in the previous survey in February. The nationwide poll, carried out on 28 and 29 March, also showed the disapproval rating rising by three points to 28% compared with the earlier survey on 21–22 February.

However, overall support remains relatively high. The survey suggests that the recent Japan-U.S. summit, which addressed tensions in the Middle East and other issues, has not had a major impact on public evaluations of the prime minister or her Cabinet.

Regarding the United States and Israel's joint armed attacks on Iran on the grounds of thwarting the latter's nuclear weapons development, 72% of respondents said they did not support the attacks, significantly exceeding the 10% who supported them. With regard to dispatching the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to the Middle East to support the U.S., the largest group of respondents, at 49%, said they "should not be dispatched," well over the 33% who said the SDF "could be dispatched after a ceasefire." Only 4% said the SDF should be dispatched even before a ceasefire.

Takaichi met U.S. President Donald Trump on March 19 (March 20 Japan time) and discussed issues such as ensuring the safety of the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively blocked by Iran, emphasizing the importance of calming the situation. Asked to evaluate the Japan-U.S. summit, 42% of respondents rated it "favorably," surpassing the 22% who did not give a favorable rating, while 35% said they were "not sure." Respondents were divided over Takaichi's stance of avoiding a clear statement on whether the U.S. attacks on Iran violated international law, with 33% supporting her stance, 36% against it, and 29% unsure.

Takaichi Cabinet support rate dips to 58%; 49% oppose Japan SDF dispatch to Mideast: poll - The Mainichi

TOKYO -- The approval rating for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's Cabinet stood at 58% in a weekend opinion poll conducted by the Mainichi Shimbun, sli

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