Ishiba Cabinet Approval Climbs to 27% in August Jiji Poll

Support for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s government has ticked higher, with Jiji Press’s nationwide survey for August showing Cabinet approval at 27.3%, up 6.5 percentage points from July. The opinion poll, carried out between Aug. 8 and 11 among eligible voters, put disapproval at 49.6%. Asked whether Ishiba should step down, a slightly larger share of respondents said he should remain in office than those calling for his resignation, suggesting the gain in support has eased immediate pressure on the premier even though approval still lags far behind disapproval. Looking ahead, 20.9% of those surveyed said they would prefer an opposition-centered administration after the next election, while 16.4% backed the continuation of the Liberal Democratic Party–Komeito coalition. The figures underscore fluid voter sentiment as parties prepare for what could be a closely watched Lower House contest.