Archive · 26 Jan 2026
Japan PM Takaichi's approval rating drops before election
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's approval rating has dropped to 67% in a recent poll by Nikkei, down from 75% in December.
Other polls by Kyodo and Mainichi show even lower approval ratings at 63% and 57% respectively.
This is the first time her approval rating has fallen below 70% since she took office in October.
The drop in approval is attributed to growing voter scepticism about her economic plans and the timing of the upcoming election.
Takaichi called a snap election for February 8, seeking to convert her personal popularity into support for her expansionary fiscal policies.
However, her party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), is less popular, polling around 30%.
The outcome of the election could depend on whether she can rekindle broader support for her party.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's approval rating has dropped to 67% in a Nikkei poll, down from 75% in December.
Other polls by Kyodo and Mainichi show approval ratings of 63% and 57% respectively.
This is the first time her approval rating has fallen below 70% since she took office in October.
The drop in approval is attributed to voter scepticism about her economic plans and the timing of the upcoming election.
Takaichi called a snap election for February 8, seeking to convert her personal popularity into support for her expansionary fiscal policies.
- Who
- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi
- What
- Approval rating drop and upcoming election
- When
- January 2024, with the election on February 8, 2024
- Where
- Japan
- Why
- Voter scepticism of her economic plans and the timing of the election
Supporters of Takaichi's Economic Plans
Critics of Takaichi's Economic Plans
Economic Stimulus Package
Supporters of Takaichi's Economic Plans
Believe the proposed stimulus package will help the economy and cushion the impact of rising living costs.
Critics of Takaichi's Economic Plans
Skeptical about the effectiveness of the stimulus package and concerned about the potential need for additional debt.
Timing of the Election
Supporters of Takaichi's Economic Plans
Support the decision to call a snap election to seek a mandate for her policies.
Critics of Takaichi's Economic Plans
Criticize the timing of the election as political opportunism, especially before the budget approval.
- Prime Minister
- Sanae Takaichi
- Approval Rating (Nikkei)
- 67%
- Previous Approval Rating (Nikkei)
- 75%
- Approval Rating (Kyodo)
- 63%
- Previous Approval Rating (Kyodo)
- 68%
- Approval Rating (Mainichi)
- 57%
- Previous Approval Rating (Mainichi)
- 67%
- Poll Conducted By
- Nikkei, Kyodo, Mainichi
- Election Date
- February 8, 2024
- Proposed Stimulus Package
- $793 billion
- LDP Polling
- Around 30%
