Abe Political Crisis: Fierce opposition & plunging support rate put Abe's future at risk

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02:49

Meanwhile at home, Shinzo Abe faces fierce opposition. A cronyism scandal has raised awkward questions for the Japanese leader, who has been watching his support rate drop. Terrence Terashima reports from Tokyo.

Numbers of times, Shinzo Abe made a miraculous come back, after suffering from political crisis.

Resigned as a Prime Minister. Fierce public criticisms on school land deals, and the cronyism scandal that is currently holding up diet sessions.

But there is growing skepticism in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, that Abe may not have power to regain public and party confidence.

Abe’s support rate plunged between 31 to 38 percent, depending on the polls, but disapproval rate were mostly over 50 percent.

NO SUPER "Honestly, I was surprised Abe still has 30 percent rating. It should be much lower, that is how I feel."

In the crisis last summer, Abe was literally saved by the bell, as diet session came to an end, and DPRK missile threats dominated public attention. Public felt comfort in having a Hawk to watch over the Japanese skies.

However, anti Abe sentiment reignited with another cronyism and favoritism scandals over a government approval to open a new veterinary department by his long time confidant, Kotaro Kake.

Analysts say this time Abe does not have any favorable cards, economic or diplomatic, to play.

Some say, this trip to U.S. may worsen Abe’s predicament.

He is the only six party leaders that is not directly involved in talks with the DPRK.

Abe will attempt to insert Japan’s interest in discussion with US President Donald Trump. But seems Trump’s interest is more on the trade imbalance with Japan.

Expected to pressure Abe to comply with US demands and harsh trade agreements.

Experts say, in a worse scenario, Abe may remain a by-stander on the DPRK issues, and come back with tons of homework from Trump in opening up Japanese markets.

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

Showing achievements in this summit is important for Shinzo Abe to keep his credibility as a leader.

TERRENCE TERASHIMA TOKYO "There are two elements that one might predict Abe’s future fate. How much progress can Abe make with meeting with Donald Trump, how much these scandals will unfold, which might push the support rate further down. Which is critical for his party leadership. Terrence Terashima, CGTN Tokyo."