Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi faces mounting political challenges as her approval rating fell below a critical threshold for the first time since taking office, according to polls released this week. Surveys conducted across major media outlets show a 4-10 percentage point decline, attributed to public skepticism about her early election call and the effectiveness of her signature zero food tax policy to combat inflation.
Analysts suggest the downward trend reflects growing voter concerns about economic stability. "The zero food tax was marketed as an inflation solution, but households aren’t feeling relief," said Tokyo-based economist Haruto Watanabe. "Combined with the perceived gamble of calling an early election, it’s eroded confidence."
The development comes at a pivotal moment for Japan’s leadership, with opposition parties capitalizing on the slump to demand clearer economic roadmaps. Political observers note that Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party will need to recalibrate its strategy ahead of key local elections later this year.
