Takaichi's populist tax cut draws pushback from ruling party

PoliticsOpponents cite lack of discussion on how the tax cut will be fundedJapanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters on Aug. 5 in Tokyo. (Photo by Ken Suzuki)DAISHI CHIBAAugust 13, 2026 04:33 JSTTOKYO -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is facing growing pushback from within her ruling Liberal Democratic Party over what is seen as her populist move to slash the consumption tax on food without sufficient discussions on funding.Read NextPoliticsJapan PM quells opponents of food tax cut by citing election pledgePoliticsJapan's CEOs see less direct access to Takaichi than previous PMsPoliticsTakaichi's $2.3tn plan draws mixed response from Japan businessesPoliticsTakaichi's falling approval ratings fuel interest rate concernsCommentHow China's Japan-bashing is indirectly