Support for Japan PM Ishiba Falls Amid Anger Over Rice Price Surge

Support for Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has fallen to a record low amid growing dissatisfaction over the government’s response to rising rice prices. A recent Kyodo News survey revealed that only 27.4% of voters now back Ishiba, down from 32.6%, posing a challenge for his Liberal Democratic Party and coalition partner Komeito ahead of July’s upper house elections. The survey found that 87.1% of respondents believe the government’s measures to tackle soaring rice prices are inadequate. Rice prices in stores have doubled compared to last year due to extreme heat damaging crops and a surge in demand from tourism. While the government began releasing stockpiled rice in March to ease the situation, public concern remains high. This decline in support highlights growing frustration with the government’s handling of the issue.