Although Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and his Cabinet continue to enjoy record-high public approval ratings, the real test for the new administration will come in the July House of Councilors election.

The Cabinet's popularity is largely attributed to the personal appeal of Koizumi and Foreign Minister Makiko Tanaka, who have regularly topped media polls on who the public would like to see as prime minister.

The evidence is mounting, however, that Koizumi's popularity has also garnered further support for the LDP.