- Many Japanese adults are satisfied with the government led by Shinzo Abe, according to a poll by Yomiuri. 70 per cent of respondents approve of the new prime minister's cabinet.

On Sept. 20, the members of Japan's governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) selected Abe, who had served as chief cabinet secretary, as their new president. Abe defeated foreign minister Taro Aso and finance minister Sadakazu Tanigaki in the internal ballot.

On Sept. 26, Abe officially became Japan's 90th prime minister, taking over from fellow party member Junichiro Koizumi. Abe vowed to "make Japan into a country full of vitality, opportunities and kindness." The prime minister lowered his own salary by 30 per cent, and reduced the salaries of all cabinet members by 10 per cent.

On Oct. 18, Abe declared that his government would not pursue nuclear weapons, saying, "The debate is finished." Aso had previously declared that Japan should "discuss" the matter, after North Korea announced on Oct. 9 that it had successfully carried out a test detonation of a nuclear weapon.

Polling Data

Do you approve or disapprove of Shinzo Abe's cabinet?

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