Poll Reveals Voter Discontent and Shifting Political Landscape in Japan

Following the recent Upper House election, a poll revealed that voters are divided on whether Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba should remain in office. While a plurality, 47 percent, believe he should not resign despite the ruling coalition's losses, a significant 41 percent feel he should step down. The survey also highlighted widespread concern over the consumption tax rate amidst rising living costs.

The election saw the ruling coalition, comprised of Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito, lose its majority in the Upper House. The survey, conducted via telephone, explored various political and economic issues, including the government's handling of trade talks with the United States. A large majority, 81 percent, attributed the LDP's defeat to problems within the party itself, rather than solely to Ishiba.

Despite internal pressure for Ishiba to resign, the poll indicated that only 22 percent of LDP supporters want him to step down. A substantial 70 percent of LDP supporters believe he should remain in his position. Conversely, supporters of the Democratic Party for the People (DPP) and Sanseito largely favored Ishiba's resignation, while a majority of Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP) supporters did not.

The survey also revealed a decline in the Cabinet's approval rating, dropping to 29 percent, with disapproval rising to 56 percent. When asked about the future government, a majority of respondents expressed a preference for opposition parties joining the LDP-Komeito coalition. The poll also gauged voter preferences for potential coalition partners, with the DPP emerging as the most favored choice.

Regarding party support, the LDP held the highest support rating at 20 percent. Sanseito saw a significant increase in support, followed by the DPP, CDP, Nippon Ishin, and Komeito. The survey also indicated a shift in public perception of the Ishiba administration's handling of U.S. tariffs following the announcement of a Japan-U.S. trade deal.

The consumption tax rate was another key focus of the survey. While a minority supported maintaining the current rate, a majority favored a reduction, even if temporary. This issue was prominent in the Upper House election, with opposition parties advocating for a tax cut to alleviate rising costs. The survey was conducted through a combination of landline and cellphone calls.