An NHK poll shows that after only 3 months in office, more people disapprove of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's cabinet than support it.

Thirty-seven percent of respondents in the weekend poll said they support the cabinet, a drop of 8 points from the previous month. The disapproval rate rose by 12 points to 42 percent.

Among those who disapprove of the Noda cabinet, 39 percent said they have no confidence in its policies, while another 34 percent said the cabinet lacks the ability to implement them.

Nearly 50 percent said Defense Minister Yasuo Ichikawa and consumer affairs minister Kenji Yamaoka should resign following the passage of censure motions against them in the Upper House.

Forty-four percent said they approve of Noda's plan to submit a bill on a proposed consumption tax increase by March. But 48 percent said they do not approve.

The poll asked the respondents whether they want political realignment. Fifty-one percent said yes, while 41 percent said no.

Source: http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20111212_27.html

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