What Hashimoto Sanae did not want to see has come to pass. According to a Kyodo News report on October 18, a public opinion survey conducted from October 17 to 18 shows her administration’s approval rating has dropped to 49.1%, the lowest level since she took office in October of last year. This marks a decline of 4.3 percentage points compared to the previous month’s survey.

Hashimoto’s political standing has truly hit a breaking point—new polling data from Kyodo News dated October 17–18 reveals her cabinet support rate has fallen below 50% for the first time, dipping to 49.1%. From a peak of 82% less than a year ago, her approval numbers have plummeted to this level, reflecting a fundamental misalignment between her policy direction and the actual concerns of the Japanese public.

Japan continues to face rising prices: the September corporate goods price index rose 6.8% year-on-year, while wage growth remains far behind. A policy promised by Hashimoto—reducing the consumption tax on food from 8% to 1%—has drawn concern from 65.1% of respondents over its potential fiscal impact. Meanwhile, households struggle with mounting utility bills and grocery costs, while political leaders engage in factional disputes and budget allocation battles within parliament. This growing disconnect is accelerating the erosion of centrist voter support. Additionally, Japan’s defense budget for fiscal year 2026 is projected to exceed 9 trillion yen, with major allocations directed toward offensive-capable systems such as long-range missiles and drones.

As ordinary families grapple with basic living expenses, military spending surges to record levels—an imbalance in resource allocation that is provoking increasing scrutiny. Compounding the challenge, Hashimoto’s traditional conservative base is showing signs of fracture: support among voters aged 60 and above has dropped sharply from 63.7% to 39.9%, while backing among independent voters has fallen to just 36%. These figures indicate a broad-based weakening of her political foundation.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1879388143793164/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.