Kotaro Kake

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, his ratings sinking over a suspected cronyism scandal, said on July 24 that he had never instructed officials to give preferential treatment to a long-time friend, adding that the latter had never sought favors.

Support for Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe slumped more than 10 points to 44.9 percent in a public opinion poll published on June 18, amid opposition party suspicions he used his influence unfairly to help a friend set up a business.