Japan PM Ishiba Cabinet Approval Rises Sharply Despite Election Loss

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's approval ratings have seen a significant surge following a low point after the July parliamentary election in which his ruling coalition lost its majority. Multiple surveys, including those by Yomiuri Shimbun, Kyodo News, and Reuters, show his cabinet's approval rating rising by 17 to nearly 20 percentage points, reaching around 35% to 39%. Public support for Ishiba remaining as prime minister has increased, with about half or more of respondents opposing calls for his resignation, a notable improvement from earlier polls. The boost in approval is attributed to positive public reception to a new trade deal with the United States and government policies like increasing rice production to control rising prices. Despite internal party pressures and election setbacks, Ishiba has vowed to stay in office, with some polls indicating openness to an early leadership race within the Liberal Democratic Party. Additionally, the public shows mixed but gradually improving views on Ishiba's tariff negotiations with the U.S. and his forthcoming personal stance on World War II issues.