Public Support for Political Parties Hits 11-Year Low

Feb 19, 2024 | News On Japan

TOKYO - In a public opinion poll conducted by NNN and Yomiuri Shimbun from February 16 to 18, 52 percent of respondents said they did not support any political party, a 4-point increase from the previous January survey.

This marks the first time "no party support" has exceeded 50% since November 2012, during the final phase of the Democratic Party of Japan's administration.

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) saw a 1-point decrease from the January survey to 24%, the lowest since its return to power in 2012.

The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan stood at 5%, Nippon Ishin no Kai at 4%, Komeito at 4%, the Japanese Communist Party at 2%, and the Democratic Party for the People at 2%. No respondents expressed support for the Party to Realize Free Education.

Reiwa Shinsengumi had 2% support, while the Social Democratic Party and Sanseito both had 0%.

In light of the political funding scandal involving LDP factions, 81% believed that strict measures should be taken against Abe faction executives involved in the incident.

Regarding the LDP's investigation into undeclared political funds, 77% thought it would not lead to a full understanding of the issue.

As for the dissolution of factions such as the Abe, Kishida, and Nikai factions, 76% did not believe it would restore trust in the LDP.

Regarding explanations to the public by faction executives, 93% felt they were insufficient, nearly unchanged from 92% in the January survey.

Support for the Kishida cabinet remained at 24%, tied for the lowest since the administration's inception.

When asked who is suitable for the next LDP president, former Secretary-General Ishiba was at 21%, former Environment Minister Koizumi at 17%, and Digital Minister Kono at 10%.

Foreign Minister Kamikawa rose to fourth place with 8%, while Prime Minister Kishida was tied for sixth place at 4%.

Regarding the government's proposal for a child-rearing support fund, with an average monthly burden of less than ¥500 per person, 60% did not approve of the plan.

Source: NNN

Typhoon 31 Intensifies Over Pacific as Forecast Shifts Toward Japan

Typhoon No. 31 remained a very strong storm over the western Pacific as of 3 p.m. Japan time on October 27, with forecasts indicating that it could approach Japan's Ogasawara Islands around November 1, bringing potentially violent winds, dangerous waves and disruptions to maritime transportation, while uncertainty over its northward turn raised concerns about prolonged storm conditions.

Japan Faces Further Travel Disruption as Storm Moves East

Travel disruption continued into Tuesday, October 27, as Japan began recovering from heavy rain and rough seas caused by the remnants of Typhoon No. 30, with ferry cancellations confirmed in Nagasaki Prefecture and railway operators monitoring the effects of overnight rainfall in central and eastern Japan.

Controversial Penalty Decision Ends Tokyo High School Soccer Match

A controversial penalty shootout decision during the Tokyo qualifiers for Japan's National High School Soccer Championship on October 24 has sparked debate after a team that believed it had secured victory was forced to continue playing and eventually lost, raising questions about whether a hole in the goal net contributed to an incorrect ruling.

Kanagawa Maglev Station Platform Unveiled for First Time

The underground platform of the planned Kanagawa Prefecture Station on Japan's Chuo Shinkansen maglev line was opened to the public for the first time on October 24, offering visitors a rare glimpse of the high-speed railway project under construction in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, with demand for the tour exceeding available places by approximately 12 times.

Japan's Terra Drone Supplies Weapons to Ukraine as Russia Warns of Retaliation

Japanese drone manufacturer Terra Drone has delivered interceptor drones to Ukraine's Ministry of Defense for the first time, prompting Russia to threaten retaliatory measures on October 21, as Japan considers expanding domestic drone production and strengthening its coastal defenses through thousands of unmanned aircraft.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Politics NEWS

Japan Plans New Laws to Strengthen Intelligence Capabilities

The Japanese government has outlined plans to introduce new legislation requiring individuals and organizations acting on behalf of foreign governments to disclose their activities, as part of efforts to strengthen Japan's intelligence capabilities and prevent improper foreign interference.

Former Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda Dies at 90

Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, who became the country's 91st prime minister in 2007 and made history as the first son of a former prime minister to hold the country's highest political office, has died at the age of 90, leaving a legacy that includes navigating a divided parliament, advancing consumer protection reforms, and securing an international agreement on climate change at the 2008 G8 summit in Hokkaido.

US Marine Charged With Robbery and Murder of Woman in Okinawa

A 20-year-old US Marine stationed in Okinawa was indicted on October 25 on charges of robbery and murder after allegedly strangling a woman to death at a hotel in Naha and stealing her backpack containing a wallet and other belongings.

Takaichi Government Marks One Year With Approval Ratings Above 60%

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi marked the first anniversary of her administration on October 21 with approval ratings still above 60%, supported by her forceful political messaging and extensive use of social media, although growing dissatisfaction over rising prices and the slow delivery of economic policies is beginning to weaken support, particularly among younger voters.

Japan's Terra Drone Supplies Weapons to Ukraine as Russia Warns of Retaliation

Revised Imperial House Law Takes Effect

Japan's revised Imperial House Law took effect on October 24, allowing female members of the Imperial Family to retain their royal status after marriage and permitting the adoption of male descendants from former imperial family branches, marking the first substantive amendment to the law's main provisions since its enactment in 1947.

PHP Security Flaw Forces Shutdowns Across Japan, Including Takaichi's Website

A critical security flaw discovered in PHP, a programming language used by an estimated 70% of the world's web systems, has triggered widespread disruptions across Japan since October 21, forcing banks, restaurant chains, government agencies and other businesses to suspend online services as a precaution against potential cyberattacks.

Debate on Nuclear-Powered Submarines Intensifies

Japan is considering whether to introduce nuclear-powered submarines as part of a broader review of its national defense strategy, with Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi signaling on October 9 that the government would not rule out any options as it seeks to strengthen deterrence against growing regional threats, although legal restrictions, technological challenges, high costs, and demanding crew requirements present formidable obstacles.

< 2 3 4 5 >