Nhk Poll: Kishida Cabinet Approval Rating Climbs To 59%
An NHK poll shows that the approval rating for Prime Minister Kishida Fumio's Cabinet is at 59 percent, up 5 percentage points from the previous survey carried out a week before the July 10 Upper House election. The disapproval rating went down 6 points, to 21 percent.
NHK conducted the telephone survey from Saturday to Monday. More than 1,200 people responded.
Among the respondents who support the Cabinet, 40 percent said it seems better than other lineups, while 22 percent said it consists of political parties they support. Another 16 percent said they trust Kishida.
Of those who don't support the Cabinet, 44 percent said they don't expect much from its policies, while 20 percent said it lacks the ability to implement policies. Another 18 percent said it is not comprised of people from political parties they support.
Poll participants were asked about the ruling coalition's sweeping election victory. Nine percent said they would be glad if the coalition had won more seats. And 42 percent said they would be glad if opposition parties had gained more, while 38 percent said the outcome was just right.
Respondents were asked which of six policy areas they think the Kishida Cabinet should focus on most. Thirty-eight percent chose economic measures, while 16 percent pointed to social security. Fourteen percent chose diplomacy and security. Nine percent singled out anti-coronavirus measures, matching the percent that picked energy and the environment. Six percent pointed to constitutional amendment.
The survey also asked respondents whether they think the fatal shooting of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo affected how they voted. Twelve percent said it did; 58 percent said it did not. Another 25 percent answered they had voted before the incident.
Asked about the government's plan to hold a state funeral for Abe in the autumn, 49 percent said they welcomed the plan, while 38 percent said they didn't.
Political parties that support revising the Constitution now control more than two-thirds of the seats in the Upper House. The Liberal Democratic Party, Komeito, Nippon Ishin Japan Innovation Party and the Democratic Party for the People support amendment.
Forty-five percent said Diet members must promote discussions on the issue, while 13 percent said there was no need. Another 33 percent said they cannot decide.
A record 35 women won seats in the Upper House. Twenty-three percent said they thought this number was too low, 2 percent said it was too many, and 9 percent said it was just right. Fifty-eight percent said the number was not an issue.