Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi weighs plan to suspend food sales tax ahead of potential February election
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is considering a proposal to suspend the eight percent food sales tax. This move would cost an estimated five trillion yen.
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Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sanae takaichiis currently weighing a significant campaign pledge to suspend the eight percent sales tax on food products as she prepares for a potential general election in Japan 
JPon February 8, 2026. The proposed fiscal measure is estimated to reduce government revenue by approximately 5 trillion yen, or 30 billion dollars, on an annual basis. This potential policy shift comes as Sanae Takaichiplans to dissolve parliament this coming Friday to trigger a snap election, a timeline being considered by two lawmakers from the Liberal Democratic Party.
JPon February 8, 2026. The proposed fiscal measure is estimated to reduce government revenue by approximately 5 trillion yen, or 30 billion dollars, on an annual basis. This potential policy shift comes as Sanae Takaichiplans to dissolve parliament this coming Friday to trigger a snap election, a timeline being considered by two lawmakers from the Liberal Democratic Party.
