NHK reported on Monday evening the results of its monthly opinion poll conducted on May 10-12 showing the Abe cabinet’s support rating was 48%, up 1 point from last month, while the disapproval rate was 32%, down 3 points. In addition, 32% of respondents said they had a strong feeling of affinity toward the new emperor, 49% said they had some feeling of affinity, 10% said they had little feeling of affinity, and 3% said they didn’t have any feeling of affinity. When asked their views on the planned consumption tax rate increase to 10% in October, 27% said they approved of the tax hike, 40% were against it, and 26% were undecided. Regarding holding simultaneous Lower and Upper House elections this summer, 20% were in favor of the idea, 23% were opposed to it, and 50% had no preference.