Tokyo, November 26, 2025 – Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent comments on the Taiwan region created a storm in Sino-Japanese relations. The Chinese mainland responded with resolute countermeasures, and critics in Japan voiced unease. Yet, a curious trend has emerged: public backing for the Takaichi Cabinet remains robust.
Polls conducted this month by leading outlets – Yomiuri Shimbun, Sankei Shimbun, Mainichi Shimbun, Asahi Shimbun and Kyodo News – place the cabinet's approval rating at roughly 70% or higher. Some surveys even report a slight uptick compared to previous months, defying expectations that diplomatic tensions would dent domestic support.
Data-driven analysis suggests several factors at play. Many Japanese citizens distinguish between foreign policy controversies and their broader assessment of government performance, which they view through the lens of economic recovery, social initiatives and crisis management. This separation may explain why approval holds steady despite a high-profile international spat.
It's important, however, to avoid oversimplification. A strong approval rating does not equate to popular endorsement of Takaichi's remarks on the Taiwan region, nor does it imply that Beijing's measures have been ineffective. Instead, the resilience in public support highlights the complexity of domestic opinion dynamics, where citizens weigh multiple issues beyond headline-grabbing foreign policy disputes.
As tensions continue, watch for whether this approval band persists into year-end polls and how it shapes Japan's diplomatic posture in East Asia and beyond.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
