Japan PM quells opponents of food tax cut by citing election pledge

PoliticsDecision-making process demonstrates Takaichi's tight hold on ruling partyPrime Minister Sanae Takaichi, center, with Internal Affairs Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, left, and Transport Minister Yasushi Kaneko at the prime minister's office on Aug. 5. (Photo by Ken Suzuki)RIEKO MIKIAugust 6, 2026 04:59 JSTTOKYO -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's cabinet has decided on a consumption tax cut on food, quelling pushback from cautious ruling party lawmakers by citing a campaign pledge for a general election that resulted in a history victory for the Liberal Democratic Party.