Prime Minister Shinzo Abe now understands why political gurus say that a week is a short time in politics.
Last week, I speculated about why Abe remains popular despite promoting policies that most people oppose. But even before two of his Cabinet ministers submitted their resignations amid financial scandals, he was already sliding in the polls and it is likely his popularity will further erode despite swift action on damage control.
The opposition and media smell blood and Abe now faces his first real test since being elected in 2012. His 2007 meltdown in the face of adversity is not encouraging, a series of gaffes and miscues that proved his undoing. Can he staunch the hemorrhaging crisis this time around?