Takaichi's Popularity Holds Steady Amid Inflation Concerns

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's popularity has remained relatively steady in recent media polls, despite concerns over inflation. The polls were conducted over the weekend and showed support for Takaichi at 53% after a drop from over 60% in July.

An Asahi newspaper poll found that while 51% of respondents thought Takaichi was not doing enough to address inflation, there was a slight increase in those who believed she was doing a good job, up to 34%. However, a significant majority of 77% said the government should clarify how the tax cut will be funded.

Takaichi's decision to introduce a sales tax cut from April has been met with skepticism, particularly over the lack of details on how to cover the shortfall of over 4 trillion yen (US$25 billion) in annual tax revenue. The opposition has been unable to form a solid bloc against her, and a plan to merge some parties into a larger force under the Centrist Reform Alliance is on the verge of collapse.