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🇯🇵 Japan /Economy & Trade

Japan tax conference ends without consensus; PM to decide on reduction

From NHK · () Japanese

Translated from Japanese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • A cross-party "National Conference" in Japan failed to reach a consensus on reducing the consumption tax, particularly for food items.
  • Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is expected to make a decision on the government and ruling coalition's policy soon.
  • The discussions come amid significant earthquake damage in Kumamoto Prefecture, where multiple fatalities and missing persons have been reported.

A cross-party "National Conference" convened in Japan to discuss a potential reduction in the consumption tax, specifically targeting food items, but ultimately failed to achieve a consensus. The meeting concluded with an interim report outlining the differing stances of each political party involved.

Following the inconclusive discussions, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida indicated that he would "promptly consider the government and ruling coalition's policy." The outcome of his decision is anticipated soon, as the nation grapples with the aftermath of a powerful earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture.

The earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 7 in Kumamoto, has resulted in at least 12 deaths, six individuals in cardiopulmonary arrest, and four reported missing. The disaster has also caused significant damage to infrastructure, including roads and bridges, with reports of a possible rupture along the Hinaku fault zone.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by NHK in Japanese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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