Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Late Prime Minister ABE Shinzo has been named as Japan’s most popular politician in a poll by “Weekly SPA!” Magazine. One of Abe’s successors, KISHIDA Fumio was named as the least favorite.

Despite many flaws, Abe was regarded as a strong prime minister by Japanese standards and the country was stunned when he was gunned down while supporting other politicians on the campaign trail.

But Abe also caused a lot of heartache for the ruling Liberal-Democratic Party due to his connections with the Unification Church and a damaging “slush fund” scandal.

“He was a humorous prime minister who also implemented policies firmly,” one respondent said. Another added: “He was a man of great merit who led Japan for many years.”

More than two years after his death, Abe’s popularity remains strong, even though he was at the root of the LDP’s problems. For better or worse, SPA says, through his more than seven years in office, he delivered economic policies, represented by “Abenomics,” and foreign policy through a close relationship with US President Donald Trump.

YAMAMOTO Taro, leader of the opposition Reiwa Shinsengumi Party, who called for a cut in the consumption tax in the House of Representatives election, jumped to second place in the poll. He commented: “I am honored to be ranked second among my favorite politicians. On the other hand, I cannot accept being ranked below my least favorite politician.”

Former Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio received the most votes for “most disliked politician.” He was mocked as the “tax increase glasses guy” and received harsh criticism. “He was the worst politician who made the people suffer,” one respondent said.

Current Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru came in third in the popularity poll and second in the least-like poll.