Tokyo, Jan. 24 (Jiji Press) — Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is pushing for a zero consumption tax rate on food items by the start of fiscal 2026, which begins in April. This proposal came up during a televised debate with other party leaders as they discussed issues leading up to the upcoming House of Representatives election.
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has promised to speed up discussions on lowering the current 8% consumption tax on food to zero for two years. In the debate, Yoshihiko Noda, who is part of the newly formed Centrist Reform Alliance, suggested that this tax cut should start as soon as this autumn. Their agenda includes making the zero tax rate on food permanent.
Takaichi noted that while different parties have varying proposals regarding the tax, it’s crucial to quickly design a fair taxation system. But what does this mean for everyday citizens? A zero consumption tax on food could significantly ease financial burdens, especially for families and low-income households.
Experts in the field suggest that tax cuts on essentials can stimulate spending and support economic growth. For instance, a recent survey indicated that 67% of respondents favor tax reductions on food items as a measure to combat rising living costs. This reflects a growing concern about inflation, which was reported to be around 3.6% in Japan as of late 2025.
As discussions progress, social media is buzzing with reactions. Users are sharing personal stories about the impact of food prices and discussing how a tax reduction could help families manage their budgets better during these tough times.
The upcoming election on February 8 could be influenced heavily by this proposal, as voters look for solutions to the challenges they face. As the political landscape unfolds, the focus on consumer welfare continues to grow, emphasizing the importance of responsive government policies.
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