Japan PM Ishiba's approval rating drops to 26%

Public support for Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has dropped to a record low of 26%, according to a recent Asahi newspaper poll. This marks a 14-point decline since February and is the lowest since he took office in October. The decline follows Ishiba's distribution of gift vouchers worth 100,000 yen ($673) to 15 first-term lawmakers from his ruling Liberal Democratic Party. This action has drawn criticism for potentially violating political laws. Ishiba stated he used personal funds for the vouchers as a gesture of appreciation. He acknowledged the controversy but maintained that the action did not breach any laws. All lawmakers involved have returned the vouchers.