Japan PM Sanae Takaichi’s approval rating falls below 50% for the first time

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government approval rating fell below 50% for the first time since she assumed office in October 2025, according to a Jiji Press survey published on July 16, 2026. The poll showed a 49% approval rating for her Cabinet, marking a notable decline among her supporters ^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9]}.

The sharpest drop in approval came from voters aged 60 and above, where support plummeted from 63.7% in June 2026 to about 39.9% by July 2026. This demographic shift contributed significantly to the overall decrease in Takaichi’s ratings ^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9]}.

Supporters commend Takaichi as "Japan’s first female prime minister" for her "leadership and trustworthiness," as well as her diplomatic skills and relatability. Many credit her historic status and personal appeal for loyalty among younger voters and others ^{[1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9]}.

Critics, however, cite disapproval reasons including "cannot hope for much," "poor policies," and a "lack of trust in the prime minister" as key factors behind the negative sentiment towards her administration ^{[1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9]}.

Takaichi’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party had scored a large victory in snap lower house elections in February 2026, buoyed by younger voters attracted to her diplomatic approach and symbolic leadership as the country’s first woman PM ^{[1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9]}.

Her November 2025 statement that Japan might militarily intervene against any attack on Taiwan strained relations with China, which claims Taiwan as its territory. This stance has been controversial domestically and internationally ^{[1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9]}.

In early July 2026, nearly 150 Japanese academics petitioned parliament opposing a bill Takaichi supports that would criminalize the desecration of the national flag. The petition adds to criticism of her government’s policy agenda ^{[1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9]}. 

Despite the drops in approval, recent inflation slowdown has helped Takaichi, as previous governments fell due to sharp price rises. The Cabinet’s disapproval rating stands at 25.2%, with 25.7% of respondents expressing no opinion on her administration ^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9]}.

The Jiji Press poll marks a significant moment in Takaichi’s tenure, reflecting challenge in maintaining broad support. Further developments will be monitored as Japan approaches upcoming parliamentary sessions and legislative discussions.