InsideJapan News Network

Public support for the cabinet of Japanese premier Taro Aso has dropped even further, a new poll has found.

For the first time, Mr Aso's support has fallen below his disapproval rating by a margin of 40.5 per cent to 41.9 per cent, reports the Daily Yomiuri.

Respondents who approved of the current government, just over a quarter (27 per cent) said they thought Mr Aso was a capable leader.

Among those who disapproved of the administration, 38 per cent said they had a pessimistic view of its policies.

The popularity of Mr Aso's Liberal Democratic Party dropped by 6.3 points to 32.4 per cent, while the Democratic Party of Japan saw its popularity fall by 0.9 per cent to 23.4 per cent.

Mr Aso is Japan's third unelected prime minister in just over two years, reports the Economist.

He recently came under criticism for his luxurious lifestyle.