Calls for Consumption Tax Cut Increasing in Japan

   Tokyo, April 4 (Jiji Press)--Calls are growing in Japan for a major economic stimulus package including a consumption tax cut to cushion the blow to the Japanese economy from U.S. President Donald Trump's so-called reciprocal tariffs.
   With food and other prices still rising, even ruling party officials have started to demand a consumption tax cut as a key policy for this summer's election for the House of Councillors, the upper chamber of the country's parliament.
   Since a reduction in the major tax would have a big impact on the state finances, senior government officials are trying to prevent the calls from growing further.
   "We'll fully scrutinize the impact on domestic industry and make every effort to provide necessary support," Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told a meeting Friday with leaders of other political parties called by the prime minister.
   He suggested that his administration is considering additional economic measures.

(2025/04/04-23:40)