Japanese PM Ishiba Faces Record-Low Approval Ratings Following Gift Voucher Scandal

Public support for Shigeru Ishiba's Cabinet plummets after revelations of ¥100,000 gift vouchers distributed to ruling party lawmakers.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's Cabinet approval rating has dropped to its lowest level since he took office in October 2024, with multiple polls showing support between 23% and 31%.
The decline follows Ishiba's distribution of ¥100,000 ($671) gift vouchers to 15 first-term Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers, which many voters perceive as problematic.
Polls reveal that 75% of respondents view the gift voucher distribution as inappropriate, though 60% believe Ishiba does not need to resign over the issue.
Ishiba has apologized publicly, stating the vouchers were intended as a personal gesture of appreciation and not a political donation, and all 15 lawmakers have since returned the vouchers.
The scandal adds to challenges for Ishiba's leadership, including internal party pressure and an upcoming upper house election in July, as the ruling coalition struggles with diminished parliamentary control.