Japan's Prime Minister Ishiba's Approval Rating Falls to 32%, Lowest Since October 2024

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's cabinet approval rating has reached a new low of 32% according to a Nikkei/TV Tokyo poll. Former Minister Sanae Takaichi and Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi both tied for first place at 20% as the most suitable person to be the next prime minister, followed by Yuichiro Tamaki at 9%. Ishiba came in fourth at 6%.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's cabinet approval rating has reached an all-time low of 32%, according to a recent Nikkei/TV Tokyo survey [3]. This marks a significant decline since the government's inception in October 2024. The survey, conducted on July 28, 2025, reveals that the public's confidence in the current administration has eroded substantially.

The survey also indicates that former Minister Sanae Takaichi and Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi are the most favored candidates to succeed Ishiba, both receiving 20% of the votes. Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the Democratic Party For the People, followed closely with 9% of the votes. Prime Minister Ishiba himself came in fourth place with 6% [3].

The decline in approval ratings coincides with the ruling coalition's bruising defeat in the recent upper house elections. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner Komeito failed to secure a majority in the upper chamber, which has led to increased speculation about Ishiba's future [1]. The opposition parties, including the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDPJ), have gained significant traction, advocating for tax cuts and tighter immigration policies, which are at odds with the current administration's fiscal restraint policies [1].

The economic challenges faced by Japan, such as rising consumer prices and potential tariffs from the United States, have also contributed to the public's discontent. Analysts have noted that the political situation in Japan has become fluid, potentially leading to a leadership change or a reshuffling of the coalition in the coming months [1].

Prime Minister Ishiba has stated that he intends to remain in office to oversee pressing matters, including tariff talks with the United States and addressing inflation concerns. However, his administration's lack of progress in these areas has frustrated voters and may have contributed to the decline in approval ratings [1].

The far-right Sanseito party, which gained significant traction in the recent elections, has further complicated the political landscape. The party's success could mark the arrival of populist politics in Japan, which has historically been resistant to such movements [1]. The party's leader, Sohei Kamiya, has pointed to Germany's AfD and Reform UK as potential models for future success.

Investors and financial professionals are closely monitoring the situation, as the political instability could impact Japan's economic policies and market stability. The yen and Nikkei futures have shown slight fluctuations in response to the election results, reflecting the market's anticipation of potential political changes [1].

References:
[1] https://www.naplesnews.com/story/news/world/2025/07/21/japanese-prime-minister-shigeru-ishiba-election-defeat/85304658007/
[2] https://www.reuters.com/world/who-could-replace-japans-ishiba-leader-ruling-party-2025-07-23/
[3] https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Japan-PM-Ishiba-s-approval-rating-hits-new-low-of-32-Nikkei-poll