A series of inept remarks made by ministers of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's Cabinet have undermined public support for his administration. Opinion polls show that public approval ratings for his Cabinet continue to fall.

Abe's leadership is in doubt while his administration faces a mountain of challenges such as educational and social security reforms. There is no magic bullet for bolstering his administration as it faces strong public criticism over the treatment of political funds.

Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Hakuo Yanagisawa, in charge of policy to reverse the nation's falling birthrate, invited public outcry by labeling women as "child-bearing machines" in a speech. The remarks came just before Abe announced the creation of a government council for establishing comprehensive measures to boost the birthrate.