NHK reports the cross‑party National Conference working group will submit a
midterm summary draft stating parties failed to agree on a concrete food
consumption tax cut plan. A previously discussed proposal that would cut the
food consumption tax to 1% for two years from April next year has not bridged
party differences. The revised draft, to be presented at the working‑group
meeting on the evening of the 27th, says members agree on the need to help low‑
and middle‑income households hit by rising prices but could not agree on
specific measures. Because the draft gives no clear policy direction, observers
say the likelihood that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will make the final
decision may increase.
