- Prime Minister Takaichi's cabinet approval rating has fallen to 59%, with disapproval rising to 26% according to a new NHK poll.
- A majority (49%) believe dissolving the Lower House for a snap election was not appropriate.
- Addressing high prices is the most important policy issue for voters, with 41% citing it as a key factor in deciding who to vote for.

A: Hey! Did you hear anything about the Prime Minister’s approval ratings?

B: No, what’s up? Is something happening?

A: Apparently, they dropped a little. NHK did a poll, you know?

B: Oh really? How much?

A: It's still pretty high, at 59%, but it was higher before. And more people are saying they *don’t* approve now too.

B: Wow. She called a snap election, right? To ask people for support?

A: Yeah! But a lot of people don't think it was a good idea. Almost half said "no."

B: That's surprising! What are people worried about?

A: Mostly prices! Like, a lot of people want the government to do something about high costs.

B: Makes sense! Everything’s so expensive these days. What else did they ask about?

A: They wanted to know about social security and the low birth rate too. And some people care about diplomacy.

B: Huh. And what do people want to see in the election?

A: Some want the Prime Minister's party to win big. But even more want the ruling and opposition parties to be close!

B: Interesting! One more thing… the consumption tax?

A: Yep! A lot of people think it should be lowered, especially for food. Some even want to get rid of it completely!

B: Crazy! Sounds like a lot of people are not happy.