The autumn session of parliament, which begins Monday, could prove to be Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s defining political moment and determine her political fortunes in 2027, as her administration faces a series of tough challenges in getting controversial bills passed during the 69-day session scheduled to end Dec. 12. Among the at least 21 bills the government is set to submit, top priority has been placed on one that would reduce the consumption tax on food and beverages from 8% to 1% over a two-year period beginning April 1, 2027, along with introducing a new income-linked benefits program. The tax cut and the benefits program are, the government says, temporary measures to provide relief to consumers, though they will mean a revenue shortfall of ¥5 trillion annually.
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