TOKYO: Prime Minister TAKAICHI Sanae’s Cabinet approval rating fell 3.5 percentage points to 50.2 percent, the lowest level since she took office last year, according to a Kyodo News poll released Sunday. The nationwide telephone survey, conducted in the weekend, also showed the disapproval rate rose 0.2 points from July to 33.9 percent, signaling a downward trend in public support.

Takaichi has prioritized policies such as reducing the consumption tax on food and beverages from 8 percent to 1 percent to assist households struggling with inflation driven by a weak yen and Middle East tensions. However, Kyodo survey found that 71.7 percent of respondents expressed concern regarding the potential impact of this tax cut on Japan’s fiscal health.

Regarding potential Cabinet and ruling party leadership reshuffles, 73.8 percent of those polled opposed appointing lawmakers involved in the recent slush fund scandal to key positions.

Additionally, when asked about Takaichi’s decision to omit the word “remorse” from her address at the Aug. 15 ceremony marking the end of World War II, 47.8 percent of respondents supported the move, while 42.6 percent opposed it.