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Taxes to be raised to cover additional defense spending: Kishida

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Read "support US military industrial complex" for "defense". Of course, Lockheed-Martin, Raytheon and their ilk do not complain.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Those who can afford it can leave, or stop earning so much. That would destroy the economy too!

They won't though. People always threaten do so and never follow through

No extra tax hikes, instead, slash spending.

I agree.

Then if people want something, they can pay for it with their own money. Not expect someone else’s to pay for it.

Never going to happen in Japan and you know it.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

"Taxes to be raised to cover additional defense spending: Kishida" (headline).

You can only squeeze the people so far before there is nothing more to squeeze.

I doubt that the Japanese will revolt in any violent way. Any revolt would be quite, only showing up in statistics.

There are other ways to revolt. One revolt is now underway. People are not having children. That condition is likely to increase.

Another revolt that will increase the boycott of luxuries, including food, clothing and travel. The military will get its unreasonable chunk of tax money but will come as a blow the civilian economy--and the military economy in the end.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

he should raise taxes on those who can afford it. Otherwise he'll destroy the whole economy.

Those who can afford it can leave, or stop earning so much. That would destroy the economy too!

No extra tax hikes, instead, slash spending. Then if people want something, they can pay for it with their own money. Not expect someone else’s to pay for it.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

The Government keeps wasting taxpayers money on unnecessary things like hosting the Olympics and state funeral for Abe which was more expensive than the Queens funeral. They keep donating money to other countries while their own citizens are struggling to make ends meet. Now they’ll buy unnecessary weapons from The US and store them without ever using those except during military drills! With the US military presence in Japan buying these weapons for Japan’s defense is really unnecessary because The US military bases are already in Japan for the defense. Now they want to be the host of the Winter Olympics as well and throw away more money! When will the LDP government be voted out… sigh! At least in The US power keeps changing between Republicans and Democrats every 2-8 years and this gives the people hope for the winners and time to whine for the losers but in countries like Japan where one party is impossible to be removed, the life of common people will get harder and harder. The same way as CCP came into power and made the life of common Chinese miserable! If other political parties don’t gain strength in Japan against LDP then the livelihood of Japanese people looks bleak!

Exactly Jim! Well said!

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

That's essentially asking the LDP to close shop as "trillions (of tax-payers money) for millions (on LDP stooges' bank-accounts)" is the name of the game. Not going to happen unless the Japanese go "French" as in 1789 French Revolution on the LDP.

Sigh. If only...

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

Wow Aly!

It doesn’t sound like a good idea to me.

Why do you want to unfairly raise my taxes? I already pay plenty of tax myself.

I don't want anyone's taxes to go up bro. It's just that IF they are going to raise them, they should raise them on those who can at least afford it. Lesser of 2 evils.

And 6 million yen a year is 45K USD. It’s a tax hike on the middle class.

Sure. In the US. but here in Japan, 6 million a year and you are in the upper income bracket. VERY FEW people today, especially younger people make that here. I don't.

And the more someone makes, the higher the income tax bracket.

But that is unfair. A single flat rate for all income is fair.

No it's not, because a single flat rate will affect your finances differently depending on how much you make.

Just because someone is able to earn a high income, doesn’t mean it is fair that they pay 90%+ of their extra income above a point in taxes.

I never put a figure on how much you should pay.

I mean, why would they bother to work (in Japan) so much if you want to slash their take home pay like that?

To be perfectly honest, at this point, why would anyone want to come here anyway? Hell even the Southeast Asians are refusing to come.

But just raising the taxes on people equally across the board is economic suicide

Raising taxes on anything has negative consequences, but if one is going to tax something, the way to minimize the negative impact is to keep the tax base very broad, and the tax rate very low.

That would work if the income gap between rich and poor is not huge. Then you would be correct.

Otherwise people start to revolt against the unfairness, not earn so much reportable income, or just go overseas where we hear today that Japanese sushi makers can earn 100K overseas.

They are! Didn't you read the article last week about young Japanese going overseas to work because they're fed up.

as the wealth gap here is high.

And a wealth gap exists in Japan that is so large? Is there data that supports that?

Yes. 40% of the workforce here is not Seishain. They have NO job security, no paid leave, no Shakai Hoken. The difference in salaries and benefits between full timers and others is well known.

To the extent that there is, I would imagine a gap exists between old and young, but Japan seems to me like a very egalitarian place, with very few ridiculously rich people, as compared with many other places.

The rich in Japan may not be as rich as in some other places, but that does not mean that the income gap is not huge.

Just look at Japan’s ridiculous inheritance taxes - highest effective taxes in the developed world. If you have wealth in Japan, the government already plans to take half of it when you die. (Don’t die in Japan.)

Preaching to the choir. I think some of the taxes levied here are ridiculous. BUT since Kishida is hell bent on defense pork barrel spending and is going to raise taxes to do that, he should raise taxes on those who can afford it. Otherwise he'll destroy the whole economy.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

And don't forget as Kishida says we must raise taxes because there is no money that Japan is bidding for Sapporo 2030.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

LDP government uses "deterrence myth" as pretext to continue to exploit immense taxes with ignoring even security dilemma.

Present ordinal life of many Japanese have no such room.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

The Government keeps wasting taxpayers money on unnecessary things like hosting the Olympics and state funeral for Abe which was more expensive than the Queens funeral. They keep donating money to other countries while their own citizens are struggling to make ends meet. Now they’ll buy unnecessary weapons from The US and store them without ever using those except during military drills! With the US military presence in Japan buying these weapons for Japan’s defense is really unnecessary because The US military bases are already in Japan for the defense. Now they want to be the host of the Winter Olympics as well and throw away more money! When will the LDP government be voted out… sigh! At least in The US power keeps changing between Republicans and Democrats every 2-8 years and this gives the people hope for the winners and time to whine for the losers but in countries like Japan where one party is impossible to be removed, the life of common people will get harder and harder. The same way as CCP came into power and made the life of common Chinese miserable! If other political parties don’t gain strength in Japan against LDP then the livelihood of Japanese people looks bleak!

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

If Japan tax the rich, who basically owns all of the large corporations they will only raise the price of the goods and service that they provide to the people. No one wins but the large corporations, if people ask for more wages and win getting more wages for example here in the US minimum wage went to $15 now they want $25 the price of a MC Donalds meal for a family of three went from $15 to $45 dollars. Yes the workers got a raise but the consumers paid more. It all looks good on paper that wages increased across the board but no one wins you end up paying more. We can cry raise the rich taxes but they will win, because they will only raise prices to offset paying the wage increases and cost for goods and services.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Japan wants more role in its own defense, has to pay more for its defense

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Told ya! And I told ya, and I told ya! I even said they ask for “cooperation”. And “corporate tax seems like an option”?! Haha. How long do you think that’ll last before he backtracks and says it’ll likely be income tax? I give it two months tops.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

Great idea, boost the economy of the rogue state of the USA at the same time.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

And what about the weapons from a few years ago that were never used in a real battle?

Billions spent on those, for what? Now already "outdated", and so have to buy some new ones. Of course, they will be never used in the field, since if they were we'll all be dead anyway.

So, just buy some more of the latest weapons, don't use them, and in a few years, buy some more. Ad Infinitum.

Military-industrial complex rubbing its hands.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

Kishida doing his best to drag this country's economy down

2 ( +7 / -5 )

It would make more sense to slash government waste to cover the increased defense spending that is clearly a necessity.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

tax the wealthiest on their assets

3 ( +6 / -3 )

There will be a revolution in Japan, when the frustration of the public get risen to a critical point. Japanese society living under tge LDP is like the Russian empire before 1917 when the people having been suppressed and living in poverty for 30 years after the burst of economic bubble,they don't cares they just want to have a big change. After the assassination of Shinzo Abe and the link between LDP and the Unification Church, the LDP is exposed being the enemy of the people.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

They can also raise the income tax on the highest earners of the income bracket. Anyone who makes more than 6 million a year, about 500,000 a month, can afford to have their income taxes raised.

Wow Aly!

It doesn’t sound like a good idea to me.

Why do you want to unfairly raise my taxes? I already pay plenty of tax myself.

And 6 million yen a year is 45K USD. It’s a tax hike on the middle class.

And the more someone makes, the higher the income tax bracket.

But that is unfair. A single flat rate for all income is fair. Just because someone is able to earn a high income, doesn’t mean it is fair that they pay 90%+ of their extra income above a point in taxes. I mean, why would they bother to work (in Japan) so much if you want to slash their take home pay like that?

But just raising the taxes on people equally across the board is economic suicide

Raising taxes on anything has negative consequences, but if one is going to tax something, the way to minimize the negative impact is to keep the tax base very broad, and the tax rate very low. Otherwise people start to revolt against the unfairness, not earn so much reportable income, or just go overseas where we hear today that Japanese sushi makers can earn 100K overseas.

as the wealth gap here is high.

And a wealth gap exists in Japan that is so large? Is there data that supports that? To the extent that there is, I would imagine a gap exists between old and young, but Japan seems to me like a very egalitarian place, with very few ridiculously rich people, as compared with many other places.

Just look at Japan’s ridiculous inheritance taxes - highest effective taxes in the developed world. If you have wealth in Japan, the government already plans to take half of it when you die. (Don’t die in Japan.)

1 ( +4 / -3 )

you could just issue government bonds with coupons of close to 0% and get the Bank of Japan to buy them. No need for masochism.

14( +19 / -5 )

Why did 19 people thumb up this insane proposal (which is also illegal)??

Did they think it was heavy sarcasm?

Japan’s ever increasing debt is a national disaster. What nation in the history of history successfully printed money indefinitely and came out the other end in good shape?

1 ( +3 / -2 )

And yet there is still somehow enough money to have the Olympics in Sapporo…idiots….the lot of them.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Bingo

In a real democracy, citizen would be consulted at time of elections about such a massive increase of defense spending. This is a major change and should not be decided by only a few LDP bigwig.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

That being said, why does Japan need or want to suddenly buy smart bombs from America? Clue me in someone.

Self-sufficiency. America could easily NOT come to Japan's aid for unforeseen reasons, regardless whether it is legal or not.

In addition, being a non-Japanese rocknroll star that pays all the J taxes they throw at Elvis, I disapprove of how my tax is being used.

Venting my frustrations here makes me feel better BTW

2 ( +3 / -1 )

In a real democracy, citizen would be consulted at time of elections about such a massive increase of defense spending. This is a major change and should not be decided by only a few LDP bigwig.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

Kishida and team are simply baring a page from the Biden playbook, blame China for everything. The US House added an additional $45 billion to the Pentagon budget today so now the total is over $800 billion.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

The military industrial complex approves this message.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

We didn't want the Olympics. We got saddled with them anyway.

We didn't want a state funeral for Abe, but we got stung with a bigger bill than Queen Elizabeth's State funeral.

We don't want to pay for Taro Aso's slap-up hostess club banquets every night. But we do.

Pay has been stagnant for 30 years.

Now the LDP want to bilk us into penury with higher taxes to pay for their rapacious corruption and the locals will vote them in again next chance they get.

What is wrong with these voters?

How many times do you have to be swindled before you do something about it?

And why can't other parties offer a credible opposition?

Derek- Excellent post!!

-4 ( +7 / -11 )

So, ... something is wrong here. I am American and from what I understand to be true is: America legally has the obligation to defend Japan from all enemies. That being said, why does Japan need or want to suddenly buy smart bombs from America? Clue me in someone.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

I am a part of my community and do volunteering to neuter street cats. The people in the group are also volunteering for other causes as well and as such the picture I can see at my level is pretty bleak.

Dog bless you @blue.

PM Suga said the Japanese people practice "self-reliance" during the pandemic as Japan Inc. was getting bailed out and business property owners receiving streams of monthly stimulus.

The LDP, and their feudal ancestors, has long relied on the perseverance and community assistance of the Japanese community.

As they sit above and drain the assets of the community for their pleasures and pointless armaments and posturing versus rivals.

-8 ( +3 / -11 )

Why tax everybody and not the ones profiting from defense and protection schemes.

What would be the point then?

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Taxes to be raised to cover additional defense spending:

Is there a need or necessity to raise tax unrelentingly to cover defense expenses?

Surely the Japanese public won't feel happy.

If US wish to promote more weapon sales, Kishida should ask for free supply instead..

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Why tax everybody and not the ones profiting from defense and protection schemes.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Nup.

I don't have a problem with defence spending, but issue bonds to raise the money and redirect other funds from boondoggle projects and other forms of government waste.

My belief that humanity is basically good is withering fast. No doubt that there are plenty of good people, but there's also no sense in denying that there is also an element within any society who are sociopaths and psychopaths, and simply don't care how much they screw over others to get what they want. They have no moral compass, and are quite content to lie, steal and cheat. And ignoring the presence of evil doesn't make it go away. The dumb ones turn to violent crime. The midwits are middle managers and minions (hall monitor types) who serve power without really questioning what they do, mainly for a steady paycheck but sometimes because they genuinely believe in what they're doing, or enjoy the power trip. The smart ones work their way into high positions of government, corporations, NGOs, etc. to do their damage. Democratic systems have a series of checks and balances to mitigate that damage, but these people have always existed and the smart ones figure out how to circumvent the rules to get what they want.

The people who want to raise your taxes, blame inflation on external causes, stick a dodgy needle in your arm, etc. don't give a damn about you, they'll only throw you a bone every now and then to prevent pushback they can't control. They aren't scared of us if we're arguing amongst ourselves, but will be petrified if we can put aside some minor differences and floodlight the cockroaches so they have nowhere to scurry. I'm not trying to gaslight anyone, just provide a snapshot of what is going on now at a brisk rate. But it will get worse unless we refuse to comply and push back with a big ol' can of bug spray.

Remember the old axiom: evil prospers when good people do nothing. It's clear from the posts above that there are good people on this forum, even though I disagree with them on some issues. We are now in a situation where if we don't push back - and there IS likely to be some cost - that things are going to get pretty unpleasant in the next few years. Inflation and higher taxes won't be the only things you'll be miffed about.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Why don't they use the increased revenue from inflation paid on everyday products. It's at least 20%. They need to pull that money out of their sleeves

0 ( +2 / -2 )

what tax payers can do about this "war sponsorhip"?

any thoughts?

7 ( +8 / -1 )

We didn't want the Olympics. We got saddled with them anyway.

We didn't want a state funeral for Abe, but we got stung with a bigger bill than Queen Elizabeth's State funeral.

We don't want to pay for Taro Aso's slap-up hostess club banquets every night. But we do.

Pay has been stagnant for 30 years.

Now the LDP want to bilk us into penury with higher taxes to pay for their rapacious corruption and the locals will vote them in again next chance they get.

What is wrong with these voters?

How many times do you have to be swindled before you do something about it?

And why can't other parties offer a credible opposition?

9 ( +18 / -9 )

Kishida is Santa Claus in reverse.

Yes. Kishida is the economic Krampus.

-3 ( +5 / -8 )

Kishida is Santa Claus in reverse. He is has only poverty and war to offer us.

That's a very good way to put it.

The LDP today is reminiscent of the imperial government during WW2. Back then Korechika Anami was advocating for Ketsu Go.

A tax hike sounds to me like an economic version of that.

-7 ( +5 / -12 )

Geeze. I get the reasoning I guess but your entire population minus the 1%s 1% are living with almost 0 saved wealth and some of the highest household debt per person in the world.

Raising taxes when your banks have refused to respond competitively to world economic changes and increasing consumer prices seems like a real dumb decision. Even more so when you constantly talk about trying to get people to buy more… then everything they do only makes us hold the wallet tighter.

If the LDP wants to smooth this over, massive tax hikes on the richest, pay cuts to government workers to be closer to the average joe they are blasting with this, and effing get rid of their monthly travel allowance that they are able to pocket whatever they don’t use!

show positive steps that they are pinching Pennie’s too and maybe people (who are zombie voters) might agree

this feels like another head in the clouds LDP decision that ignores the citizens… again

6 ( +9 / -3 )

@blue

I notice the same occurrences.

The Japanese are being squeezed more and more, they are getting less and less.

The family unit is definitely decreasing and it is obvious to me by the number of family dwellings becoming vacant in my area.

Taxing a shrinking and more impoverished nation so that an offensive military action can take place (and it will) one day in the future.

-3 ( +7 / -10 )

Two things.

(1) Kishida is impoverishing the social and medical services and personal incomes by raising taxes for military spending. (2) He is creating an arms buildup that could get us into someone else's war. In short, Kishida is a consistent disaster. The Mainichi Daily News, December 3, 2022 declared:

Having the ability to launch a counterattack is not enough to protect Japan. It is essential to build a comprehensive strategy that includes communication with neighboring countries, arms control efforts, and diplomacy to prevent tensions from escalating.

This is a problem that goes to the very heart of the image of Japan as a peaceful nation that has built itself up since the end of World War II

Kishida is Santa Claus in reverse. He is has only poverty and war to offer us.

4 ( +8 / -4 )

You may think the US is coercing Japan into defense contracts but these guys are definitely getting kickbacks. It’s money laundering, taxpayers money.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

How about No!

Even better, get rid of all US military, that'll save us tons of money, that could be put to much better use.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Rise wages to the same amount as Australia for minimum wage and watch the spending boom and sales tax revenue increase a lot. These people barely get by now and will spend extra money on useful things replacing the 30 year old refrigerator etc

*My refrigerator is 24 years old, and works well… lol … but washing machine only made it to 20 years…

1 ( +5 / -4 )

Raising taxes punishes production which damages the economy. If Kishida and the do-less LDP had any real ability they could deal with any local problems with diplomacy and cooperation. They could also experience a little austerity themselves. Staff cuts and pay cuts for politicians and government workers would help. And a complete stop on waste such as Abe's funeral and the Olympics.

Lower the taxes for those who are producing the income and take it from those who are not.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Instead of raising taxes across the board why don’t they take back the huge tax cuts Abe gave to corporations? You know, the ones that were ‘supposed to be’ passed on as salary increases, which never happened. Japan is a joke when it comes to taxes and admin fees. It’s no wonder so many do not declare income and have shoe boxes full of cash in their wardrobes.

3 ( +11 / -8 )

The only defense spending I'm willing to spend on is defending myself from further getting taxed.

6 ( +10 / -4 )

Taxation without representation. LDP is becoming tyrants

0 ( +9 / -9 )

So pathetic..

Kishi Kun, you are ruining your own people, to please the interventionists whims of the US..

What a disgrace..

3 ( +8 / -5 )

Add a ¥1 trillion yen service charge for hosting US troops in Japan. They need bases in Japan far more than Japan needs them. Call their bluff.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

Kishida’s mission is revealed.

like his steak munching predecessor, who was placed specifically to bear the brunt of forcing the Olympics on the country.

Kishida is here solely to get this tax increase then be replaced.

once the tax is available for defense, the next guy will push for constitution reform.

5 ( +9 / -4 )

I love Japan.

Take all my money please

-4 ( +4 / -8 )

I too neutered an abandoned cat.

As for defense spending, I think it is much cheaper than being conquered and occupied. Countries like Sweden and Switzerland, which traditionally tried to be neutral, do not skimp on defense spending.

-2 ( +6 / -8 )

Fumio its time to go and get lost.

Would be nice, BUT the problem is the next guy will be no better. Same old crap recycled.

people will remember you as most worthless japanese PM ever.

That's a really tough one to win. We have many excellent contenders for that position- Abe, Kishi, Suga, Aso, Mori...

Kishida REALLY has his work cut out for him to win that title.

-5 ( +7 / -12 )

i am speechless.

Fumio its time to go and get lost.people will remember you as most worthless japanese PM ever.

7 ( +11 / -4 )

What is the point of spending vast amounts of money defending an impoverished country?

Kishisa and his ilk are mentally deranged…!

-4 ( +10 / -14 )

You mean like schools, roads and hospitals?

No. Talking about pork barrel spending.

Go take a look at the west and to see what happens when stop investing in infrastructure.

Have you EVER lived in the west??

-4 ( +8 / -12 )

"It's necessary to secure over 1 trillion yen by (using) tax measures, and we need to ask for cooperation,"

The sooner Kishida goes the better.

the problem is nothing will change. It's a 1 party dictatorship same as the CCP. Their policies are uniform, and the next guy will do the exact same thing.

-7 ( +8 / -15 )

Is Kishida insane?? People are at their breaking point here. I have an excellent job, but my family has been hit HARD by this inflation and I know TONS of people who are suffering immensely now. Raising taxes on the public will be disastrous for the economy.

There must be thousands of projects going on right now involving concrete and pork that could be stopped to save money. For example, there is a national road plan made in the 1970s that is still being implemented even though there are fewer people to use these roads and bridges and tunnels. Now they are being promoted on such grounds as they provide easy access for ambulances to old peoples' houses. It would be much cheaper to provide luxury accommodation for these old people in some more convenient place. Every major rail station has been earmarked for development partly with taxpayers' money. There is a pointless magnetic levitation railway being built. The bureaucrats are in charge of perhaps the biggest pile of government assets of any country. Some could be sold. There are numerous "secret funds" among the bureaucracies. None of this gets much publicity because ... well, because why?

Truly an excellent post! Hear! Hear!

One thing they can do is end the politicians' right to wine and dine on the public's dime. THAT'S a kind of tax since we pay for it. So start with ending that practice. Also how about a reduction in politicians' income as well? THAT'S a way to get some more money for their little war games. They can also raise the income tax on the highest earners of the income bracket. Anyone who makes more than 6 million a year, about 500,000 a month, can afford to have their income taxes raised. And the more someone makes, the higher the income tax bracket. But just raising the taxes on people equally across the board is economic suicide as the wealth gap here is high.

-3 ( +15 / -18 )

There must be thousands of projects going on right now involving concrete and pork that could be stopped to save money. 

You mean like schools, roads and hospitals? Go take a look at the west and to see what happens when stop investing in infrastructure.

-7 ( +4 / -11 )

The United States, the longtime ally of Japan, has welcomed Tokyo's attempt to increase its defense spending at a time when the two nations have been boosting the interoperability of the U.S. military and Japan's Self-Defense Forces.

Well of course they welcome it !

They will be the ones selling the weapons to Japan and making billions of dollars !!!

Go figure!!

17 ( +20 / -3 )

Good!

-13 ( +1 / -14 )

Increasing the corporate tax is widely seen as a viable option.

Which corporations will pass on to their customers, so no relief there.

If implemented as planned, the funding scheme ...

I love the use of the word scheme. It implies nefarious intentions. I wonder what Japanese word this was translated from.

1 ( +9 / -8 )

Just no. Please don't make my family and others struggle more.

23 ( +25 / -2 )

The population has a no say when it comes to defense spending, but is taxed in a way or an other for that

7 ( +15 / -8 )

IMHO, they could have targeted it more strategically at Japanese companies that do business with belligerent countries that challenges Japanese national securities. Like Russia, China, and North Korea.

Companies like Nidec, Mitsui, Toyota, Fuji etc...(note I own Mitsui shares).

1 ( +6 / -5 )

JeffLeeToday  06:59 am JST

Good idea! The corporate tax was cut back when corporations were already earning record-high profits and sitting on record-high cash piles of "retained earnings." So, free up their unneeded, unused cash hoard for the good of the country.

And when companies don't have spare cash they don't employ people. What would you rather have?

0 ( +5 / -5 )

What is actual government plan to boost economy? Foreign visitor.

https://japantoday.com/category/business/refiling-focus-hopes-grow-for-win-win-effect-of-inbound-tourism-in-japan-weak-yen

6 ( +8 / -2 )

"however, that the government will not raise income taxes given the severe economic situation surrounding households. Increasing the corporate tax is widely seen as a viable option."

Raising Corporate Taxes will result in Higher Prices for the consumers any way you calculate it.

It also means Less new hires, Less investments, Less machinery and equipment upgrades, Less Donations, Less Expansion, and Less Innovations.

The more companies have to pay in taxes the less they will spend on other everything they do to survive and expand,

6 ( +11 / -5 )

@Moonraker,

Don’t think we will have a better comment posted on this site today.

I agree 100%.

9 ( +18 / -9 )

There must be thousands of projects going on right now involving concrete and pork that could be stopped to save money. For example, there is a national road plan made in the 1970s that is still being implemented even though there are fewer people to use these roads and bridges and tunnels. Now they are being promoted on such grounds as they provide easy access for ambulances to old peoples' houses. It would be much cheaper to provide luxury accommodation for these old people in some more convenient place. Every major rail station has been earmarked for development partly with taxpayers' money. There is a pointless magnetic levitation railway being built. The bureaucrats are in charge of perhaps the biggest pile of government assets of any country. Some could be sold. There are numerous "secret funds" among the bureaucracies. None of this gets much publicity because ... well, because why?

25 ( +35 / -10 )

Of the additional 4 trillion yen deemed necessary every year, the government aims to secure 1 trillion yen by imposing higher tax rates

Seems intentionally vague. I can see sales or other taxes targeting workers rising, in an effort to "broaden the burden of defense" and as Kishida's popularity further tanks he bows out for the next LDP and takes responsibility.

The tax rate never returns to its former level though.

10 ( +16 / -6 )

Margins are already razor thin at a lot of smaller companies. I suspect raising taxes on them will lead to further reductions in salaries. I don’t think many companies will simply absorb the increased taxes without making changes to their operations. I further think this is the opening for the next round of VAT increases.

14 ( +18 / -4 )

Good idea! The corporate tax was cut back when corporations were already earning record-high profits and sitting on record-high cash piles of "retained earnings." So, free up their unneeded, unused cash hoard for the good of the country.

May as well cut the consumption tax while you're at it, since economists agree that the biggest factor holding back economic growth is weak private demand.

Or... you could just issue government bonds with coupons of close to 0% and get the Bank of Japan to buy them. No need for masochism.

18 ( +23 / -5 )

how much can you squeeze out of your taxpayers while spending obscene amounts of money on funerals and stuff people are not in favor of? Rising prices and taxes will kill your economy.

25 ( +37 / -12 )

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