Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi marks one year in office with strong public support but questions over her leadership style

Summary

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government entered its second year, and she marked one year in office still relatively popular with the public. Her assertive leadership style, which analysts say may fuel discontent within the Liberal Democratic Party, is drawing scrutiny. She has high public approval and an overwhelming majority in the House of Representatives, and has pushed through divisive legislation and made personnel appointments heavily shaped by her own views. A Yomiuri newspaper poll published on Monday put support for her cabinet at 57 per cent, down two points from the previous survey on September 18 and well below earlier levels.

Timeline

1. SCMP

   21 Oct 2026, 01:17 UTCSource ↗

   South China Morning Post reports that Takaichi's government is entering its second year and that her assertive leadership style may fuel discontent within the LDP, with political analysts warning of growing questions about her hold on power.

2. SCMP

   22 Oct 2026, 00:00 UTCSource ↗

   South China Morning Post reports that Takaichi has marked one year in office still riding relatively high in public opinion, with a Yomiuri poll showing her cabinet's support at 57 per cent, down two points from September 18.