Key Facts
• Nationwide poll conducted by Yomiuri Shimbun on September 13–14, 2025.
• Democratic Party for the People (DPP) leads opposition with 9% approval, first in 4 months.
• Sanseitō drops to 8%, showing decline compared to post-upper house election period.
• Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) falls to 5%, ranking third among opposition parties.
• DPP leader Tamaki attributes success to policies like “increasing take-home pay.”
• Sanseitō’s support fell from 12% in August to 8% in September.
• Tamaki suggests conservative voters may return to the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
• CDP’s approval has declined since July’s 8%, despite leadership reshuffle on September 11.
• CDP Secretary-General Azumi emphasizes need for stronger communication and visibility.
Summary
The Democratic Party for the People (DPP) reclaimed its position as the leading opposition party in Japan, achieving 9% approval in a Yomiuri Shimbun poll conducted on September 13–14, 2025. This marks the first time in four months that the DPP has topped opposition rankings. Sanseitō, which previously held the lead, saw its support drop to 8%, reflecting a loss of momentum since the upper house elections. Meanwhile, the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) continues to struggle, falling to 5% approval despite a recent leadership reshuffle. DPP leader Tamaki attributed his party’s success to its focus on practical policies, such as increasing take-home pay, while suggesting that Sanseitō’s decline may be linked to conservative voters returning to the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. CDP Secretary-General Azumi acknowledged the need for better communication to regain public trust.
