CaliToday (21/11/2025): In a stunning display of political momentum, the latest survey by Kyodo News reveals that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is not just surviving her first term—she is dominating it.
Defying the traditional "honeymoon phase" decline that plagues most leaders, PM Takaichi’s cabinet support has skyrocketed to 69.9%, a significant surge from her inauguration numbers. With a disapproval rating of only 16.5%, she has secured one of the strongest mandates in recent Japanese history, effectively turning the public’s anxiety over security and inflation into a solid foundation for her "New Era" policies.
The Mandate: Trust in "Takaichinomics"
Perhaps the most surprising finding in the Kyodo poll is the public's confidence in the economy. Inflation has been the political graveyard for leaders across the G7, yet in Japan, the narrative is different.
Combating Inflation: Nearly 70% of voters expressed confidence that Takaichi’s aggressive fiscal policies can tame inflation.
The Ratio: The number of believers is now double the number of skeptics.
This suggests that her administration's clear communication and decisiveness are resonating with households that are tired of indecisive measures.
A Hawk with the People’s Backing
The most consequential shift, however, is in national security. Takaichi, known for her hawkish stance and admiration for Margaret Thatcher, has seemingly convinced a traditionally pacifist nation that it is time to arm up.
1. The 2% Threshold When Takaichi declared her intention to push defense spending to 2% of GDP within this fiscal year a rapid acceleration previously thought politically impossible critics predicted a backlash. Instead, 60% of respondents voiced strong support for the move. The Japanese public appears to have accepted that a robust military is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.
2. The Taiwan Question In what might be the most alarming statistic for Beijing, the poll shows that nearly half of the Japanese public supports exercising the right to "collective self-defense" regarding Taiwan.
This means a significant portion of voters supports Tokyo militarily aiding the U.S. or Taiwan if a conflict erupts in the Taiwan Strait.
Defying Beijing’s Pressure
This surge in domestic popularity comes directly in the face of intense external pressure. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has reacted furiously to Takaichi’s recent rhetoric, issuing severe diplomatic warnings and advising Chinese tourists to avoid travel to Japan due to the "hostile political atmosphere."
Yet, the poll suggests a "rally 'round the flag" effect. rather than bowing to pressure, the Japanese electorate is doubling down on Takaichi’s hardline stance.
"The more Beijing warns, the higher her numbers go. She has successfully framed national security not as a choice, but as a survival imperative." — Political Analyst, Tokyo
Historical Context
Takaichi’s rise is being described as "meteoric." Few Prime Ministers in the post-Abe era have commanded such high approval ratings this far into their tenure. By combining a populist economic message with an unapologetic nationalist defense policy, she has consolidated power in a way that gives her the political capital to reshape Japan’s constitution and global standing.