Japan Takaichi Cabinet faces mixed poll results over food tax cut plan

Recent public opinion polls indicate varying reactions to the Takaichi Cabinet's economic policies, specifically the proposal to reduce the consumption tax on food items from 8% to 1% for a two-year period starting in April 2027.

One poll reported the Cabinet's approval rating at 40.3%, with 53% of respondents citing an inadequate response to household financial burdens as the primary reason for declining support. While there was some positive reception to the tax cut idea, concerns remain regarding the lack of clarity on funding and the plan to return to original rates after two years.

Another poll showed a higher approval rating of 62.5%, though it noted significant skepticism regarding fiscal implementation. In that survey, 61.5% of respondents disapproved of the tax cut plan due to the absence of specific funding sources, and 49.9% opposed the policy of reverting the tax rate after the two-year period.