Kishida Approval Remains Underwater Amid Concern Over Defence Overhaul

The approval rating of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida remains at near records lows amid concerns over his administration's pledge to dramatically overhaul the Japanese military and play a more prominent global role in defence.

• Asahi Shimbun reports that Kishida's low approval may allow former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga to position himself for a political comeback.
• Japan will hold unified local elections and Lower House by-elections in April which may provide a platform for Suga to intensify criticisms of Kishida's factional politics.
• Asahi Shimbun: "Suga blasted Kishida for remaining leader of a party faction after becoming the prime minister... [saying in an interview:] “It sends a message that faction politics still lingers on, which makes the public more critical."
• Asahi reported in December that survey respondents were split over Kishida’s policy to expand defense spending, with 46 percent supporting the move and 48 percent opposing the plan.
• The survey revealed that 66 percent of voters were against the tax hike required to fund the expansive programme of defense reforms.
• According to Morning Consult, Kishida is among the least popular leaders in the world with a current approval rating of 23%.