TBS reported on the results of its opinion poll conducted over the weekend, which found that public support for the Abe cabinet rose 4.1 points from last month to 47.3%, while nonsupport fell 1.9 points to 50.8%, saying that disapproval exceeded approval for the second consecutive month. The network also said 52% of the respondents expressed support for shifting the start of the academic year from April to September, while 32% expressed nonsupport. Among those who expressed support, 52% said the shift should occur this year, while 37% said it should be next year. On the GOJ’s measures against the spread of the coronavirus, 43%, up 12 points, gave high marks, while 46% did not. With regard to the GOJ’s decision to extend the nationwide state of emergency until the end of May, 81% expressed approval. In addition, 56% expressed support for revising the special measures law on the new coronavirus to include a stipulation that those who do not comply with governments’ request to close businesses will be penalized, while 34% expressed disapproval. As for including in the Constitution a provision that allows the GOJ to temporarily restrict the rights of the public during a national crisis or disaster, 55% expressed support and 33% expressed opposition. Support for the LDP was 35.9%, up 1.6 points, followed by Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan at 6.1%, and Komeito at 4.4%.

Meanwhile, Fuji TV’s weekend survey found that support for the Abe cabinet rose 5.1 points from last month to 44.1%, while nonsupport fell 2.4 points to 41.9%. The network said 52.2% expressed approval for shifting the start of the academic year from April to September, while 33.9% expressed disapproval. Concerning the GOJ’s measures against COVID-19, 36.4% expressed approval, while 57% expressed disapproval. However, 80.6% welcomed the GOJ’s decision to extend the nationwide state of emergency until May 31. When asked whether they thought the coronavirus outbreak will be brought under control with the extension, 47.4% said yes, while 41.4% said no. On reopening schools early, 58.8% expressed support, while 30.9% expressed opposition. On the GOJ’s 117 trillion yen economic stimulus package, 59.5% welcomed it, but 31.1% did not. Meanwhile, 73.5% welcomed the provision of 100,000 yen in cash to every person, while 21.9% did not. As many as 87.6% said additional economic stimulus measures are necessary.