Japan's Takaichi Cabinet approval slips to historic low amid minister scandal

According to a telephone poll conducted by one outlet, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's cabinet now holds a 49.1% approval rating, the lowest level ever recorded, down 4.3 percentage points from the previous month. Disapproval climbed to 33.0% as the administration faced criticism for the delayed ouster of farm minister Kazuo Yana, whose remarks on cutting road budgets for non-supporting municipalities and providing free bus rides to campaign supporters sparked scandal.

More than half of those surveyed said the dismissal was overdue and will affect the cabinet's stability. The poll also measured public opinion on a proposed consumption-tax reduction for food and beverages, with 56.2% in favor despite concerns from 65.1% about a projected ¥10 trillion revenue loss. Additionally, over 90% expressed worry about rising cyber threats to Japanese companies. The survey excluded areas of Kumamoto Prefecture still recovering from a July earthquake.