According to the NHK public opinion survey [for the month of June], 48% of pollees support the Abe cabinet, which is the same as the previous month. Those saying they do not support the cabinet also remained the same, at 32%.
The nationwide survey was conducted by NHK over the three-day period of June 7–9 on a computer-aided random digit dialing (RDD) basis and targeted men and women aged 18 or over with calls placed to landline and mobile phone numbers. Valid responses were received from 1,214 of the 2,244 people polled. The valid response rate was 54%.
Cabinet support rate
According to the survey, 48% of pollees support the Abe cabinet, which is the same as the previous month. Those saying they do not support the cabinet also remained the same, at 32%.
When asked why they support the Abe cabinet, 49% of respondents said “because it seems better than other cabinets” while 16% said “because it takes action.”
Asked why they do not support the cabinet, 32% said “because the prime minister is untrustworthy” and 31% said “because nothing can be expected of its policy measures.”
Japan-U.S. trade talks
In Japan-U.S. trade negotiations, Japan says it will not lower tariffs on agricultural products beyond levels agreed to under the Trans-Pacific Partnership. But U.S. President Donald Trump says he is “not bound by the TPP.” Asked whether they think Japan’s assertion will be respected in future negotiations, 8% said “it will be respected,” 39% said, “it will not respected,” and 41% said “neither.”
Prime Minister’s visit to Iran
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will travel to Iran this week. Asked whether his visit will ease tensions between the U.S. and Iran, 15% said “yes,” 38% said “no,” and 37% said “neither.”
Consumption tax hike
The consumption tax rate will be increased to 10% in October this year. 29% said they “support the hike,” 42% said they “oppose it,” and 23% said “ they neither support or oppose it.”
Economic recovery
The government downgraded its assessment of the economy in the monthly economic report last month. But it maintained its view that the overall economy is “recovering at a moderate pace.”
Asked whether they think the economic recovery is continuing, 10% said “yes,” 53% said “no,” and 28% said “neither.”
Double election
Asked if they are in favor of or opposed to a “double election” by holding a Lower House election at the same time as the Upper House election scheduled for this summer, 20% said they are in favor while 26% they are opposed and 44% said they are “undecided.”
