Abe in US: Support falls to lowest ahead of US visit

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Abe is one of Japan's longest-serving post-war prime ministers. But he heads to his summit with Donald Trump with his lowest approval rating since he took office -- a result of various scandals at home. CGTN's Timothy Ulrich has more.

Crowds of protesters in front of parliament. They want Abe out of office, and a sincere apology for suspected cover-ups in a recent land sale scandal.

HIROTO USHIDA 21-YEAR-OLD COLLEGE STUDENT "I think his ratings fell because of the lack of transparency regarding many things. I think it is necessary for him to provide a better explanation to citizens."

Abe is accused of illicitly giving preferential treatment to educational institution Kake Gakuen, which is run by his friend. Another scandal risks implicating his wife Akie Abe. She allegedly intervened in the discounted sale of state-owned land.

Though denied by the prime minister, this hasn't stopped his support from falling to 26-point-7 percent, the lowest since he took office in December 2012. Also giving Abe headaches are allegations one of his administration's financial bureaucrats sexually harassed several female journalists.

SUZUNA AOKI 22-YEAR-OLD COLLEGE STUDENT "I feel that Japan's awareness toward discrimination against women remains low."

Now the prime minister will have to win a third-year term in the September vote. The US visit will be a vital test for him and his cabinet.

MASAMICHI IDA PROFESSOR OF POLITICAL SCIENCE & ECONOMICS "One solution for survival is diplomacy. Issues surrounding the DPRK will be on the table when US President Donald Trump visits the DPRK. Depending on whether Japan indirectly reaps the result of this is crucial."

Timothy Ulrich, CGTN.