Takaichi Cabinet Approval Falls Below 50% for First Time as Controversial Bills Draw Backlash

Multiple Japanese media polls published around July 21, 2026 showed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's cabinet approval rating sliding into the 40-50% range — its lowest level since she took office in October 2025 — after she prioritized passage of divisive legislation, including the Imperial House Law revision and a backup-capital bill, over cost-of-living relief. A Jiji Press poll put cabinet approval at 49%, down 5.3 points from June, while Mainichi Shimbun recorded the first net-negative reading of her premiership at 41% approval versus 44% disapproval. Analysts attributed the slide to persistent inflation concerns overshadowing her legislative wins.