Support ratings for Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s administration saw a slower rate of decline in August 2026, according to public opinion polls from leading national media outlets.
Approval Trends and Public Opinion Polls in August 2026
Approval ratings for Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s administration fell across multiple major surveys in August, though the downward momentum eased compared to July 2026, when double-digit drops occurred month-over-month. According to the NHK public opinion survey, which recorded the largest downward shift, Takaichi’s approval dropped by 5 percentage points. Kyōdō News reported a 3.5-point decline, Yomiuri Shimbun noted a 1-point drop, and Jiji Press recorded a 0.6-point decrease. All four surveys placed her numbers at all-time lows since the administration took office in October 2025.
At the same time, Mainichi Shimbun and Asahi Shimbun recorded figures identical to July, keeping Takaichi at her lowest recorded support level. Respondents to the Mainichi poll registered disapproval ratings exceeding approval for the second consecutive month. Conversely, the Nikkei survey showed a 4-point increase in approval to 62%, and Sankei Shimbun recorded a 0.9-point uptick.
Did you know?
Jiji Press reported Takaichi’s approval rating at 48.4% in August. While this marked a third consecutive monthly drop—bringing the total decline to 15.4 points from peaks of 63.8% in November 2025 and February 2026—it remains higher than the persistent lows seen during the administrations of Kishida Fumio and Ishiba Shigeru.
Voter Response to the Consumption Tax Cut
A central focus of the August surveys was the administration’s decision to lower the consumption tax rate on food products, takeout meals, and nonalcoholic beverages from 8% to 1% for two years starting in April 2027. Voters expressed both strong backing for the tax relief and deep anxiety regarding fiscal health. The NHK poll found that 49% of respondents supported the tax cut, while 39% opposed it. However, 67% stated they were either “greatly” or “to some extent” concerned about the policy’s impact on national finances.
Similar trends appeared in other outlets. Kyōdō and Sankei surveys registered strong support for the tax reduction paired with widespread concern over unspecified funding sources to cover the lost revenue. Furthermore, 64% of respondents in the Nikkei survey voiced worries about social security programs funded by the consumption tax, and 76% stated that government explanations regarding the impact of the lower rate were insufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the timeline for Japan’s consumption tax reduction?
The administration plans to lower the consumption tax rate on food products, takeout meals, and nonalcoholic beverages from 8% to 1% for a two-year period beginning in April 2027.
How did major media polls track Prime Minister Takaichi’s approval ratings in August 2026?
According to NHK, Kyōdō News, Yomiuri Shimbun, and Jiji Press, approval ratings fell by margins ranging from 0.6 to 5 percentage points. Mainichi and Asahi recorded flat numbers matching July lows, while Nikkei and Sankei reported slight increases of 4 points and 0.9 points, respectively.
What are the primary voter concerns regarding the tax cut?
Polling data shows widespread concern over the lack of specified funding sources for the tax cut, potential impacts on social security programs funded by the consumption tax, and insufficient government explanations regarding the policy.
Stay informed on Japanese politics and economic policy by subscribing to our newsletter or exploring our latest news coverage.
Keep reading