Japanese PM Ishiba's Approval Rating Rises Amid Rice Price Concerns, US Trade Talks Loom Ahead of Upper House Election

Public support for Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has recovered to 37% and 32%, respectively, according to recent polls by Kyodo News and Asahi newspaper. The government's efforts to address high rice prices have helped Ishiba, but the ruling party's promise to hand out ¥20,000 per person to address the rising cost of living was less well-received. Ishiba is also looking to show progress in talks with the US over tariffs, particularly on Japanese auto exports.

Title: Japan's Prime Minister Ishiba Sees Improvement in Approval Ratings Amid Rice Price Crisis and Inflation

Public support for Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has recovered, with recent polls by Kyodo News and Asahi newspaper showing approval ratings of 37% and 32%, respectively. This improvement comes amid the government's efforts to address high rice prices and rising inflation. However, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) promise to hand out ¥20,000 per person to combat inflation was less well-received by the public. Additionally, Ishiba is looking to make progress in trade talks with the United States over tariffs on Japanese auto exports.

The approval rating for Ishiba's Cabinet rose to 37.0 percent from 31.7 percent in May, according to a Kyodo News survey [1]. The survey, conducted over two days, showed that 88.5 percent of respondents support revising the government's farming policy on rice production to boost supply. This shift is seen as a response to the ongoing rice price surge, with average prices nearly doubling due to a poor harvest [1].

The government has implemented measures to stabilize rice prices, including releasing stockpiled rice and selling it directly to retailers instead of through auctions. However, the survey indicated that 56.9 percent of respondents see the government's response as insufficient [1].

In a separate move, the LDP has promised to include cash handouts of ¥20,000 per person in its campaign pledges for the upcoming upper house election. This policy, estimated to cost over ¥3 trillion, aims to ease the impact of inflation. However, the proposal has faced criticism, with 54.9 percent of respondents opposing the cash handouts [1]. Despite this, Ishiba remains focused on addressing the economic challenges facing the country.

Ishiba's approval ratings have improved despite the challenges, but his government faces an upper house election on July 20. The election comes after a lower house loss in November, which left the LDP reliant on the support of other parties. Ishiba's performance in the upcoming election will be crucial for his government's stability.

In addition to domestic issues, Ishiba is also focusing on international trade. He is set to meet with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada. The meeting aims to persuade Trump to drop trade tariffs on Japanese auto exports, which have been a significant burden on Japan's auto industry [4]. Analysts suggest that returning to Tokyo without a deal could be politically beneficial for Ishiba, as it would demonstrate his resolve in standing up to Trump [4].

Ishiba's ability to navigate these challenges will be key to maintaining public support and ensuring the stability of his government.

# References:
[1] https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/06/224864615526-update1-ishiba-cabinet-support-rate-rises-to-37-most-back-rice-policy-shift.html?phrase=kim&words=
[2] https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/06/224864615526-update1-ishiba-cabinet-support-rate-rises-to-37-most-back-rice-policy-shift.html?phrase=vaccine&words=
[3] https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/06/13/japan/politics/ishiba-ldp-cash-handouts/
[4] https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/japans-pirme-minister-ishiba-heads-to-g7-to-press-trump-to-drop-auto-tariffs/121859596