NHK poll puts Takaichi Cabinet approval at 53%

· Politics · Japan

An NHK poll put the approval rate for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's Cabinet at 53%. The reading comes as Takaichi and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party weigh disciplinary action against members, including former prime minister Shigeru Ishiba, who abstained from a food tax vote and walked out; party leadership has demanded written explanations. In security policy, Japan and the United States agreed to strengthen security cooperation, and Tokyo said it will provide the Philippines with a coastal radar system and drones. Okinawa Governor Genta Koja called for a review of the US forces agreement after the murder of a Japanese woman, for which a US Marine was indicted, and urged the central government to explain its military buildup in the prefecture.

Why it matters：Takaichi's approval level and her party's internal discipline fight shape Japan's course on defence spending and tax policy in a tense regional environment.

Key points

  • Ishiba is the first former party leader to face disciplinary action.
  • Japan will provide the Philippines with coastal radar and drones.
  • Okinawa's governor pressed for an explanation of the military buildup.

Sources (original reporting)

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