Takaichi Approval Rating Hits Lowest Point Since Taking Office

The approval rating of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration has slumped to its lowest level since she took office last year, according to a recent poll by the Yomiuri newspaper.

The survey, conducted between July 24 and 26, found that Takaichi's approval rating fell to 57%, down from 69% in June. This marks the first time her approval rating has dropped below 60% since she took office.

The percentage of those who disapproved of her administration rose to 34% from 21% in June, while those who disapproved of her efforts to combat rising living costs increased to 71%, up from 56%.

Takaichi's popularity is being hit by rising living costs, which have caused a spike in bond yields and a slump in the yen to four-decade lows. Her expansionary fiscal and monetary policy bias has been criticized for exacerbating these issues.