When Sanae Takaichi publicly declared that a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan could be considered a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan — effectively signaling that Tokyo might back Taiwan militarily — the comment sent shockwaves through international diplomacy.
Beijing responded harshly, denouncing the remarks and issuing diplomatic protests such as a ban for Japanese seafood imports and issued a travel warning.
Despite mounting pressure from China and concerns about the long-term fallout for Japan’s foreign relations, Takaichi refused to retract her statement, maintaining that her position aligned with Japan’s security laws.
Instead of undermining her standing, the confrontation appears to have strengthened her domestic support.
Recent polling shows her government’s approval rating at 75 percent, a level maintained for two months — a remarkable figure for a leader embroiled in a foreign-policy crisis.
The Japanese See Her Firmness as Good Leadership
According to the poll conducted between 28 and 30 November 2025, 55 percent of respondents said they approved of Takaichi’s “Taiwan remarks,” with only 30 percent calling them inappropriate.
Supporters cited trust in her character and leadership as primary reasons. Roughly 37 percent said she was “trustworthy,” and about 34 percent believed she possessed “strong leadership capability.
Several supporters also indicated that a firm stance toward China was necessary in an increasingly tense regional environment, conveying that defense and national dignity mattered more than short-term economic discomforts or diplomatic backlash.
The willingness to assert Japan’s position — particularly regarding security — resonated with many voters who view assertiveness as a refreshing break from cautious diplomacy.
Regional Tension Reshaped Domestic Politics
The dispute with China — sparked by Takaichi’s remarks — triggered more than diplomatic gestures. According to reporting, Beijing retaliated with trade restrictions such as banning imports of Japanese seafood, suspending certain travel ties, and embargoing certain goods.
For some Japanese citizens, this response reinforced a sense that Tokyo needed a leader willing to defend Japan’s interests firmly.
The backlash from China reminded many voters of the asymmetry in power and influence between the two nations, prompting a reevaluation of Japan’s foreign policy — and a renewed appreciation for leaders who project strength.
In that context, Takaichi’s refusal to back down may have seen by the Japanese as courageous rather than reckless.
At the same time, the security environment in East Asia has been growing more uncertain, with concerns about regional stability and shifting alliances.
Takaichi’s readiness to reinterpret Japan’s security obligations — including possible collective self-defense in defense of Taiwan — tapped into this anxiety, giving her a credibility on national security issues that few other politicians currently possess.
Economic and Domestic Concerns Still Hang in the Balance
That said, not everyone applauds this turn. A significant portion of the population remains skeptical about the long-term wisdom of provoking Beijing. In the same poll that gave Takaichi 75 percent support, 18 percent said they did not support her cabinet.
The primary reasons for rejection included concerns that the cabinet was too dominated by a single political party and questions about the integrity or trustworthiness of its policies.
Many Japanese — even among supporters — still place high priority on immediate economic issues. Inflation, rising living costs, and domestic economic measures such as tax or subsidy policies matter deeply to voters.
According to the poll, 55 percent of respondents want the government to prioritize cost-of-living and inflation measures, rather than foreign policy or defense alone.
The challenge for Takaichi will be balancing the electorate’s appetite for a strong diplomatic stance with effective domestic governance — ensuring that boldness abroad does not come at the cost of neglecting ordinary citizens’ economic needs.
What the 75% Rating Suggests About Japan’s Mood
That her approval rating remains so high — even after provoking a serious diplomatic crisis — underscores a complex shift in Japanese public sentiment.
It indicates rising public appetite for stronger defense postures and willingness to revisit long-standing strategic ambiguities. In an increasingly fractious geopolitical environment, many Japanese appear ready to trade caution for clarity.
Takaichi’s ability to sustain high approval while embroiled in controversy highlights a broader trend: voters may now value perceived strength and decisiveness in foreign affairs almost as much as domestic competence.
As long as she continues projecting confidence on national security while addressing pressing economic issues, her government may retain strong public support — even if regional tensions deepen.
This recent episode suggests that public opinion in Japan is undergoing a recalibration. What was once seen as provocative or radical may now be viewed as necessary, prudent, or even admirable.
The 75 percent approval rating, held up during a diplomatic storm, may be the most visible sign of that shift.
