Kishida cabinet approval rating hits record low amid public concerns

The approval rating for Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's cabinet has fallen to 53.7%, its lowest point since he took office, according to a Kyodo News poll conducted on July 25-26. This represents a 2.1 percentage point drop from the June survey, with disapproval rising to 33.7%, an increase of 5.8 percentage points.

The poll revealed public concern regarding recent revisions to the Imperial House Law. These changes permit female members of the imperial family to retain their royal status after marriage and allow the adoption of male heirs from 11 former imperial families. Nearly half of respondents, 49.6%, feel these changes are "difficult to gain national understanding," while 44.3% believe they are "understandable."

However, public support for specific aspects of the revisions is high: 75% favor female royals keeping their status post-marriage, and 81% support the concept of a female emperor. Conversely, 18.4% oppose female royals retaining their status, and 16.1% oppose a female emperor.

Furthermore, the poll indicated dissatisfaction with the ruling party's parliamentary proceedings. A substantial 66.9% of respondents felt deliberations on the "Deputy Capital Law" were "insufficient," with only 24.3% finding them adequate. Regarding Kishida's administration, 57.5% described parliamentary operations as "forceful," compared to 35% who found them "meticulous and prudent."

Allegations of smear campaigns during Kishida's Liberal Democratic Party presidential election also surfaced in the poll. A significant 58.6% of respondents believe Kishida's explanations regarding these accusations are still insufficient, while 32.9% feel he has adequately explained the situation.