Will Trump tariffs force Japan to slash its unpopular consumption tax?

Members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) discussed the matter with counterparts from political ally Komeito last week, the Yomiuri newspaper reported. “The most effective step would be to directly reduce the burden on household budgets and companies by lowering the tax,” Komeito politician Tetsuo Saito was quoted as saying. Since cutting the consumption tax would require legislative changes, Saito also proposed cash handouts for those in need as an interim measure until legal revisions could be made.

His suggestions received broad support, with calls to incorporate them into the parties’ campaign platforms ahead of the election..