Abe approval drops over military shift

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s move to loosen restraints on the country’s military is proving unpopular with citizens.

A new poll by Japan’s NTV shows support for the Abe administration at about 45 percent.

That’s the lowest since Abe became prime minister for a second time in fall, 2012.

More than half of people surveyed disapproved of a cabinet decision to reinterpret Japan’s postwar peace constitution.

The decision allows Japan’s military to come to the aid of allies overseas, a move supported by the US.

More than 42 percent of respondents said the decision would increase the chances of Japan becoming involved in war.