Prime Minister Takaichi ``challenges'' in second year of administration, strengthens measures to combat high global prices

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi celebrated her first year in office on the 21st. In an interview with reporters at the Prime Minister's official residence, he stated, ``Today begins the second year of the challenge of the Takauchi Cabinet.'' ``The current important policy is to further strengthen measures in response to rising global prices,'' he said, appealing to the significance of the consumption tax reduction bill currently being debated in the House of Representatives. The challenge is to gain the understanding of the public and the cooperation of opposition parties.

Takaichi took office as Japan's first female prime minister in October last year, forming a coalition government with the Japan Restoration Association. He won an overwhelming victory in the House of Representatives election in February of this year, strengthening his political base. The Prime Minister told reporters, ``I have continued to run with the belief that my mission is to steadily realize my promises (in the House of Representatives election).''

Regarding his signature policy, ``Responsible and Proactive Fiscal Policy,'' he pointed out, ``This is a fight aimed at getting Japan's economy back on track.'' ``To encourage domestic investment, we will systematically carry out large-scale, long-term, highly predictable fiscal spending, and forcefully draw out bold private domestic investment.''

On the 14th of this month, Kazuo Yan, former Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, was dismissed in light of his remarks about ``budget cuts.'' The cabinet's approval rating, which had been maintaining a high level, also appears to be on the decline. Suspicions regarding his successor, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Arata Takebe, were also reported. With an eye on re-election in the LDP presidential election next fall, the focus will be on whether he can maintain the unifying force both inside and outside the party.

When asked by reporters what he regrets, the Prime Minister said, ``We have not been able to accurately convey information (to the people).We need to think about how we should conduct public relations.'' The prime minister continues to post long messages on X (formerly Twitter) almost every day in order to promote diplomatic achievements and the policies of his administration. On the other hand, there are few opportunities to meet with private sector experts or have tours.