The latest NHK opinion poll shows the approval rate for Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru's Cabinet is 36 percent, down 8 percentage points from last month, while the disapproval is up 10 points to 45 percent.



NHK conducted the telephone survey over three days from Friday. Over 1,200 people responded.



Among those who support the Cabinet, 40 percent said it seems better than possible alternatives, 24 percent expressed trust in Ishiba, and 17 percent said it is made up of political parties they support.



Of those who disapprove, 39 percent said they have low expectations for the Cabinet's policies, 23 percent said the Cabinet lacks the ability to implement policies, and 13 percent said they do not trust him.



The Lower House passed a budget bill for the next fiscal year after a revision was made based on an agreement among the main ruling Liberal Democratic Party, its coalition partner Komeito, and the opposition Japan Innovation Party. The governing coalition does not hold a majority in the lower chamber.



Asked about the move, 3 percent of the respondents said the passage of the bill is very good, 40 percent said it is quite good, 34 percent said it is not so good, and 14 percent said it is not good at all.



On high school tuition, the LDP, Komeito and Japan Innovation Party agreed on removing the income cap toward making education free.



About the agreement, 15 percent said it is a very good idea, 36 percent said it is quite good, 28 percent said it is not very good, and 16 percent said it is not good at all.



On raising the minimum taxation threshold, the ruling parties put together a plan to raise it from the current level of 1.03 million yen, or about 7,000 dollars, to about 10,900 dollars, for people with lower annual incomes. But the ruling coalition failed to gain the approval of the opposition Democratic Party for the People.



Asked whether they approved the plan, 6 percent said the plan is very good, 38 percent said it is quite good, 32 percent said it is not very good, and 18 percent said it is not good at all.



US President Donald Trump has announced that reciprocal tariffs will be imposed to match the tariff rates of trading partners starting on April 2.



Asked about the possible impact on Japan's economy, 79 percent said they are concerned, while 10 percent said they are not.



The Japanese government has decided to release rice from the country's stockpile to stabilize rice distribution amid the staple's soaring prices. It is expected to reach store shelves later this month.



Asked about how rice prices will be affected, 27 percent said the prices will drop, while 63 percent said prices are unlikely to drop.