"No Policy Expectations"... NHK Reports Abe's Second Term Lowest Approval Rating Since Inauguration

Published 11 Aug.2020 21:05(KST)

Updated 11 Aug.2020 21:20(KST)

NHK Poll... Approval Rating Falls 2%P to 34% Compared to Previous Month

Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Min-young] The approval rating of the Shinzo Abe government has plummeted to its lowest level since the launch of the second cabinet.

Local NHK broadcast reported on the 11th that a public opinion survey conducted from the 8th to the 10th among 1,286 men and women aged 18 and over nationwide showed the Abe cabinet's approval rating at 34%, down 2 percentage points compared to last month's survey.

Although it is difficult to make a simple comparison due to differences in survey methods, NHK reported that this is the lowest approval rating since the launch of the second Abe cabinet in December 2012.

The response of 'do not support' the Abe cabinet was 47%, up 2 percentage points compared to last month's survey.

The most common reason for not supporting was 'lack of expectations for policies,' at 58%.

Regarding the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), 57% responded that the government should declare another COVID-19 state of emergency, while only 28% said there was no need for such a declaration.

Regarding the Japanese government's 'Go To Travel' policy, 62% responded that it should be suspended for the time being. This policy, aimed at revitalizing tourism within Japan, is being implemented nationwide except for Tokyo.

Regarding the opposition party's demand for an extraordinary Diet session to deliberate on COVID-19 response and other issues, 72% responded that it should be convened quickly.