Takaichi administration requests 35 billion yen for public relations

The administration of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has requested approximately 35 billion yen for public relations in its fiscal 2027 budget proposal. This includes roughly 7.2 billion yen for ‘Cabinet Public Relations’—nearly ten times the current budget—and 28.05 billion yen for ‘Government Public Relations,’ which is about 3.6 times the previous year’s amount.

Critics and social media users have expressed concern over the prioritization of these funds. While the government seeks to increase the financial burden on citizens through changes to the high-cost medical expense benefit system and other social security measures, the massive increase in PR spending has sparked accusations of potential propaganda.

Political economist Shigeaki Koga, a former Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry official, noted that such funds are typically the first to be cut during financial difficulties. He raised concerns regarding the blurred line between official government communication and personal political promotion, suggesting the budget could be used to bolster the Prime Minister’s image during elections or periods of low approval.