Japan PM Takaichi's approval rating dropped

The approval rating of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration slumped in July to the lowest level since she took office last year, a sign that rising living costs were hitting her popularity.



The sliding popularity adds to headaches for Takaichi, who has seen her expansionary fiscal and monetary policy bias cause a spike in bond yields and a slump in yen to four-decade lows.



Such market pressures and opposition even from within her own ruling party have delayed the government's decision on whether and when to cut an 8% levy on food sales - a pledge Takaichi made to cushion the blow from rising living costs.



In a poll conducted between July 24 and 26, the approval rating for Takaichi's administration fell to 57%, down from 69% in June and the first time it has dropped below 60% since she took office.



The percentage that disapproved of her administration rose to 34% from 21% in June.



Those polled who disapproved of her administration's efforts to combat the rising costs of living rose to 71%, up from 56%.



Other recent media polls have also seen Takaichi's approval ratings slide. Kyodo news agency reported on Friday Takaichi may reshuffle her cabinet in August or September.