"'Speaking Power' Should Be Emphasized Over 'Listening Power'... Can Crisis-Stricken Kishida's Approval Ratings Rebound?"

1st Anniversary of Kishida Cabinet Inauguration
Cabinet Approval Rating Plummets to 29%
Winning Public Support with Economic Policies
Calls for More Assertive Leadership

Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister of Japan.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] On the 4th, marking the first anniversary of his inauguration, the Kishida Fumio Cabinet announced a large-scale economic policy aimed at public sentiment as it struggled with declining approval ratings. The plan is to curb inflation and raise wages to seek a rebound in the falling approval ratings. However, in Japanese political circles, there are calls for Prime Minister Kishida to completely revise his previously steadfast approach to governance. Rather than emphasizing the collection of opinions from various sectors, he needs to actively engage in solving national issues.

◆Approval Ratings Plummet Due to Unification Church Scandal and State Funeral Fallout... Large-Scale Economic Policy Targets Public Sentiment

On the 3rd, Prime Minister Kishida announced an economic policy focused on countering high inflation during a speech at the extraordinary Diet session. On that day, Kishida defined "reviving the Japanese economy" as the top priority and emphasized that the economic policy would focus on three areas: responding to the weak yen, structural wage increases, and investment and reforms for growth.

In particular, as an imbalance in energy supply and demand is expected to prolong electricity price hikes, a system to ease the burden on households and businesses is expected to be established. To stimulate domestic demand, the goal was set to exceed an annual consumption amount of 5 trillion yen by foreign tourists.

In addition, the Japanese government will prepare a second supplementary budget reflecting project costs related to the comprehensive economic measures by the end of next month. Based on the statement by Hiroshige Seko, the LDP Secretary-General of the House of Councillors, who mentioned at a press conference on the 20th that "30 trillion yen (approximately 297 trillion won) is the launch pad" regarding the budget size, it is expected that Prime Minister Kishida, cornered by the sharp drop in approval ratings, will release a massive amount of funds.

The reason Prime Minister Kishida has moved to win public sentiment is that last month, his approval rating plummeted to 29% according to the Mainichi Shimbun survey, due to the fallout from allegations of collusion between the LDP and the Unification Church following the death of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo and the promotion of Abe's state funeral without parliamentary consent.

Within the LDP, there are harsh criticisms that Prime Minister Kishida is following in the footsteps of former Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide, who resigned due to falling approval ratings. Former Prime Minister Suga announced his intention to resign after both the Cabinet approval rating and the ruling party's LDP approval rating each recorded 26%, stating he would not run in the next party leadership election.

Japanese media also referred to the so-called "Aoki's Law," which states that if the combined approval ratings of the Cabinet and the LDP fall below 50%, it is difficult to maintain the administration, analyzing that the Kishida administration is in crisis.

◆Limitations of Recovery Through Listening Alone... Need for Active Policy Formulation

As concerns arise that the Kishida Cabinet might face a complete resignation, voices in Japanese political circles call for a major shift in the Prime Minister's leadership. Unlike former Prime Minister Abe, who often showed a lack of respect for the opposition, Kishida has been praised for his "listening leadership," showing an attitude of gathering opinions from various sectors. For example, when the opposition raised objections to providing 100,000 yen to citizens under 18 last year, the policy was revised to full cash payments.

However, political figures analyze that the "listening ability," once considered Kishida's strength, has now lost its effectiveness. Given the various challenges such as high inflation and the weak yen crisis, it is time to demonstrate leadership that actively addresses national issues.

On the 4th, at a press conference marking the first anniversary of the Kishida Cabinet's launch, LDP Secretary-General of the House of Councillors Hiroshige Seko said, "Prime Minister Kishida has so far emphasized 'listening ability,' listening to the voices of the people and implementing policies," but added, "From now on, I hope he will also emphasize 'speaking ability,' and I look forward to stable Cabinet management in the second year."

Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the Democratic Party for the People, also said at the press conference, "I think the Kishida Cabinet has operated the government like 'safe driving' over the past year," and added, "Having passed the House of Councillors and House of Representatives elections, I hope he will demonstrate leadership that actively tackles national issues."

Professor Hiroshi Nakakita of Hitotsubashi University, a political scientist in Japan, told NHK, "Listening to criticism from the public and opposition and sometimes accepting criticism was meaningful only until the House of Councillors election," emphasizing, "Now, it is necessary to move beyond 'listening ability' to develop the ability to engage in dialogue with the opposition and reach consensus."

However, some express a positive outlook for the Kishida administration. If Prime Minister Kishida does not dissolve the House of Representatives during his term, a "golden three years" without major elections until 2025 will open. Also, no strong rivals threatening Kishida have emerged within the party.

Jiji Press reported, "There is optimism that if the Kishida Cabinet recovers its approval ratings this time and the allegations of collusion between the LDP and the Unification Church subside, the Cabinet can be stably maintained for the time being."