Takaichi Boasts of Policy Victories Amid Slumping Polls

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi touted her accomplishments in the recently ended special Diet session, citing policy victories despite slumping polls. At a news conference on July 27, she emphasized her legislative success, stating that all 64 government-sponsored bills were passed.

Takaichi attributed the decline in her approval rating to rising prices and external events beyond her control, such as the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz caused by US actions. She predicted progress in her fight against high costs and emphasized her measures against them, including an income tax reduction that will return 30,000 yen ($183) to 60,000 yen by year-end.

The prime minister also highlighted Japan's inflation rate being kept at 1.7 percent, the lowest among G-7 nations, and real wage growth at 1.8 percent, the highest in the group.