Japan Prime Minister Takaichi has decided to temporarily cut the consumption tax
on food and soft drinks from 8% to 1% effective April next year, NHK reports.
The move implements an LDP‑coalition pre-election pledge (originally to cut the
rate to 0% for two years); the government settled on 1% after retailers said a
zero rate was incompatible with cash‑register systems. The decision follows
months of political gridlock and may bolster Takaichi's support.
