An NHK opinion poll shows that the approval rate for Prime Minister Kishida Fumio’s Cabinet remains unchanged from July at 25 percent. The disapproval rate fell 2 points to 55 percent.
NHK conducted the telephone survey over three days from Friday. About 1,200 people responded.
Among those who support the Cabinet, 49 percent said it seems better than possible alternatives, 18 percent said it is made up of political parties they support, and 15 percent expressed trust in Kishida.
Of those who disapprove, 43 percent said they have low expectations for the Cabinet’s policies, 27 percent said the Cabinet lacks the ability to implement policies, and 11 percent said possible alternatives seem better.
Kishida’s main ruling Liberal Democratic Party will hold its leadership election next month.
When asked about their interest in the race, 19 percent expressed great interest, 37 percent said they are interested to some degree, 25 percent said they do not have much interest, and 14 percent said they have no interest.
The survey also asked respondents to choose which political issue should be most deeply discussed by the leadership contenders among six choices.
Economic stimulus measures garnered 27 percent, followed by political reforms, including ways to prevent money scandals, with 26 percent. Social security received 21 percent, 11 percent chose foreign policy and national security, Constitutional amendments had 3 percent, and 2 percent picked gender and diversity.
The largest opposition Constitutional Democratic Party will also hold a leadership race next month, and collaboration frameworks with other opposition groups is likely to be a point of contention.
When asked about collaboration among opposition parties ahead of the next general election, 28 percent said they want deeper collaboration, 13 percent said there is no need, and 51 percent said they are undecided.
Former US President Donald Trump was wounded in an attempted assassination during his presidential election campaign.
When asked whether they feel that democracy around the world is being threatened by violence, 35 percent said they feel this threat very much, 37 percent said they feel it to some degree, 15 percent said they do not feel it much, and 5 percent said they do not feel it at all.
Misinformation or disinformation about the incident has been spreading online ahead of the US presidential election.
When asked whether they are concerned that it could manipulate public opinion, 40 percent expressed great concern, 35 percent said they are somewhat concerned, 12 percent said they are not concerned much, and 5 percent said they are not concerned at all.