Key Takeaways:

• Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's approval rating has plummeted to a record low of 26%.
• The decline follows his controversial distribution of gift vouchers worth ¥100,000 each to party lawmakers.
• Public outrage is fueled by ongoing resentment towards the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and previous scandals.
• Political analysts suggest that Ishiba's actions may jeopardize his leadership ahead of the upcoming upper house election.

Public support for Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has dropped dramatically, with his cabinet approval rating hitting an alarming 26%, as recent polls reveal widespread discontent following a gift voucher controversy. According to the Channel News Asia and South China Morning Post, Ishiba's administration has seen a significant backlash after he handed out ¥100,000 (approximately $670) gift vouchers to 15 first-term lawmakers of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which he justified as personal gifts rather than political donations.

The controversial gesture, made during a dinner party earlier this month, has drawn heavy criticism amid a backdrop of financial scandals plaguing the LDP in recent years. With polls from the Asahi Shimbun indicating a 14-point drop from February's 40% approval rating, Ishiba's handling of the situation has been described as creating a "volcanic" anger among the electorate, hinting at a broader resentment towards entrenched political elites.

Despite Ishiba's defense that the vouchers were a "thank you" for lawmakers' services, public sentiment remains largely negative. Around 75% of respondents in multiple polls expressed that the distribution was problematic, with many voters feeling that it exemplifies the ongoing issues of corruption within the party, as noted by political analysts following a series of previous scandals, including a major kickback scandal that undermined Ishiba's predecessor.

In light of the backlash, Ishiba addressed the public's concerns in parliament, offering apologies for the "discrepancy" between his actions and societal expectations. However, this has not mitigated the rising criticism faced by his administration. Political analysts warn that if support continues to dwindle, it could threaten his leadership position significantly before the upcoming upper house elections in July, as Reuters reports.

As discussions within the LDP grow about Ishiba's ability to lead amid discontent, opposition leaders have urged for a thorough inquiry into the situation, stressing the need for accountability even as they stop short of demanding his immediate resignation.

Political experts are divided on whether Ishiba can recover his standing with the electorate in time for the elections. They underscore the critical nature of public perception in Japanese politics, especially given the history of corruption that has marred the LDP's image.

For further details, you can read the original articles from Channel News Asia, Reuters, and South China Morning Post.