Key facts
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's cabinet has a 57% approval rating.
- Takaichi won the LDP leadership race on October 4, 2025.
- She is the first woman to lead the LDP and become Japan's prime minister.
- Her approval rating is down two percentage points from September 18.
Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is marking one year in office with a public approval rating of 57%, according to a Yomiuri newspaper poll published on Monday. This figure represents a two-percentage-point decrease from the previous survey on September 18. Takaichi, who became the first woman to lead the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on October 4, 2025, after defeating Shinjiro Koizumi, has maintained a relatively high level of public support despite geopolitical tensions and persistent inflation. Her direct style and use of social media have helped her connect with voters, and she has been praised for her diplomatic strategy, particularly in managing a row with China over Taiwan. However, she faces challenges including a recent cabinet scandal, economic pressures, and questions about funding proposed tax cuts.