Ishiba’s support falls, but likely no ouster before July election

Public support for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s government has significantly weakened, with approval ratings at 27.4% in recent surveys, marking a five-point drop since his leadership began last October. High food prices, particularly rising rice costs, have been a major factor driving this decline, while concerns over Japan’s ongoing trade negotiations with the U.S. also weigh heavily on public sentiment. Despite these challenges, however, the government’s chances of being ousted before next month’s national election remain very slim.