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Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

JCP website simulation of tax hikes becomes big hit

The Japanese Communist Party has put on its website a simulation of increases in tax and pension premiums, for the use of the general public since July 21, and has become a big hit, accessed more than 12,000 times as of July 31. Jiji Press news service and commercial newspapers have also reported on the JCP's simulation feature.

The simulation shows the increase in burdens from 2005 to 2008, by which time the Koizumi government decision to impose heavier burdens such as the abolition of the fixed-rate income and residential tax deductions and the increase in pension premiums will have been implemented.

People can check the amount of increase in their burden by entering necessary information, such as yearly income, age, and family makeup. It offers three different models: for full-time workers, part-time workers, and retired.

It also provides such information as the amount of increase in burden in the case that the consumption tax rate is raised to ten percent from the present five percent or that tax hikes for wage-earners is implemented by halving the employment income exemption.

Many people who ran the simulation were shocked by the result, and sent comments such as follows:

"What the hell is this? While we try to save each ten yen, the simulation shows 103,000 yen will be added to my tax. It's criminal for the government to give money to the U.S. forces in exchange of our lives." (full-time worker)

"We should drive out the ruling parties at any cost, shouldn't we?" (part-time worker)

"What will happen if I get hospitalized? I am really anxious about my future." (retired person)
- Akahata, July 30, 2006