Akiho Yoshizawa: Japan PM Shigeru Ishiba’s Approval Ratings Tanks to 26% for handing out High Value Gift Vouchers worth ¥100,000 (US$670) each to his own Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Rookie Lawmakers

Japan Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba

Japan PM Ishiba faces approval slump following gift voucher scandal

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is facing a sharp decline in approval ratings following widespread backlash over his distribution of high-value gift vouchers to newly elected ruling-party lawmakers. Recent polls reflect growing public dissatisfaction with the administration, compounding challenges for the long-dominant Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) ahead of a critical election in July.

According to a survey conducted by the Asahi Shimbun daily, support for Ishiba’s Cabinet has plummeted to 26%, a steep drop from 40% in February. Similarly, a poll by the Yomiuri Shimbun recorded a decline in approval from 39% to 31% over the same period. Both figures mark the lowest levels of public support since Ishiba assumed office in October.

The controversy centres on the prime minister’s decision to hand out gift vouchers worth ¥100,000 (US$670) each to 15 rookie lawmakers from the LDP. While Ishiba has defended the move as a personal gesture of appreciation rather than a political donation, the public reaction has been overwhelmingly negative. The Asahi Shimbun poll revealed that 75% of respondents viewed the distribution as problematic, with similar figures reported by the Yomiuri Shimbun and Mainichi Shimbun.

Under fire from opposition lawmakers in parliament, Ishiba apologised on Friday, acknowledging the public’s concerns. “I deeply regret causing trouble and worry to many people,” he stated, reiterating that the vouchers were intended as a token of gratitude for the families of lawmakers who entered office after last year’s general election. On Monday, Ishiba issued a further apology, admitting there was a “discrepancy between the popular conception” and his actions.

Despite the backlash, public opinion on Ishiba’s leadership remains divided. While the Asahi Shimbun poll showed 60% of respondents believe he should remain in office, there are growing concerns within the LDP about the political fallout. Reports suggest that the flagging approval ratings could lead to internal pressure on Ishiba to step down before the July upper house elections.

Ishiba’s tenure has been marked by challenges, including corruption scandals that have plagued the LDP in recent years. The current voucher controversy follows a snap general election in October, where voter anger over inflation and corruption delivered the LDP its worst result in 15 years, stripping the party and its coalition partner Komeito of a parliamentary majority. The coalition has since depended on opposition support to pass legislation, further complicating Ishiba’s position.

As a result,