US EditionJapan PM Takaichi's popularity slips on tax-cut pledge
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi aims to fund a two-year zero consumption tax on food without issuing bonds, pending a new tax-credit system amid slipping poll ratings.
- On Monday, Jan 26, 2026, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's approval rating fell to 67% from 75%, slipping below 70% since taking office last October amid voter doubts on her tax-cut pledge.
- Takaichi proposed a two-year suspension of the food tax starting in April within fiscal 2026, saying it would bridge to a refundable credit system and avoid special deficit-financing bonds.
- Funding officials and opposition figures dispute covering the costs; Yoshihiko Noda said around 10 trillion yen is needed, while Takaichi cites reviews of tax measures and subsidies.
- With the Feb. 8 lower-house election approaching, the tax cut has become central to campaigns, and Takaichi warned she would resign if her ruling Liberal Democratic Party and Japan Innovation Party coalition loses a majority.
- Longer term, the prime minister aims to reform how the national budget is made by convening a national council of ruling and opposition lawmakers to design a refundable tax credit system and allocate funds in initial budgets rather than supplementary budgets.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Japan PM Takaichi's high approval rating slips ahead of election
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's public approval rating has slipped in new polling ahead of a national election next month that she has framed as a direct verdict on her stewardship of the world's fourth largest economy.
Channel News Asia
New Strait TimesJapan PM Takaichi's popularity slips on tax-cut pledge
TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's sky-high poll numbers have slipped as voters question how she intends to pay for her recent tax-cut pledge, according to media surveys released on Monday (Jan 26).The approval rating for the nationalist leader's government fell to 67 per cent from 75 per cent in
Takaichi aims for 2-year break on food tax within FY2026
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Sunday she aims to begin implementing a two-year suspension of the 8 percent consumption tax on food and beverage items within fiscal 2026, starting in April. "My idea is that the two-year (break on food tax) would bridge the period until a refundable tax credit…
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