Public support for Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration fell to 49.1%, the lowest level since she took office in October last year and the first time the figure has dropped below 50%, according to a poll released by Kyodo News on Sunday.

The nationwide telephone survey was conducted on Saturday and Sunday, with the cabinet's approval rating falling 4.3 percentage points from the previous month.

The disapproval rating rose to 33% from 30.9%, the poll showed.

The decline in public support comes amid mounting controversy over scandals involving cabinet members, including former agriculture minister Kazuo Yana, who was dismissed following criticism over inappropriate remarks and alleged violations of the Public Offices Election Act.

In the latest poll, 57.7% of respondents said Takaichi had waited too long to dismiss Yana, while 54.7% said his resignation would negatively affect the cabinet's performance.

On economic policy, 65.1% of respondents expressed concern that the administration's proposed reduction of the consumption tax on food and beverages from 8% to 1% for two years starting in April could adversely affect the country's public finances.

Separately, Japan's education minister Yoshihiro Seki recently apologized over improperly organized political fundraising events, adding to the controversies surrounding cabinet members.

Recent opinion polls conducted by several media organizations have also indicated a marked decline in support for the Takaichi cabinet.

(Cover: Passersby walk past a stock market indicator board in Tokyo, Japan, October 15, 2026. /VCG)