A Jiji Press poll showed the approval rating for Prime Minister Takaichi's cabinet fell to 44.1%.

The Japan Times, JIJI Press · Japan

18 Sept 2026

Framing varies: All centre-leaning sources report the same poll result, but Japan Forward (lean=right) published a separate report claiming the approval stayed above 60%, indicating potential selective coverage or different polling methodology.

What it means

The article reports on a recent opinion poll showing that the approval rating for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's cabinet has dropped to 44.1%. This marks a decline from previous levels, and the same survey found that 68.6% of respondents opposed her decision to appoint lawmakers involved in the Liberal Democratic Party's fundraising scandal. The decrease comes shortly before a cabinet reshuffle.

Accuracy & sourcesSourced

The claim is based on a Japan Times report that likely cites a Jiji Press or similar opinion poll. As the primary news outlet reporting the results, the article is reliable for the specific figures, though the poll's methodology (sample size, margin of error) is not detailed in the highlight. Search results confirm the article was published on September 18, 2026, and align with other recent coverage of the Takaichi administration.

How new

Genuinely new; the article was published on September 18, 2026, reporting a fresh poll.

Past coverage

We previously covered a dip in Takaichi's popularity in July 2026 (search result: 'Takaichi's popularity dips after prioritizing controversial laws') and a report on her retaining familiar faces in the LDP leadership reshuffle from September 16, 2026.