Japan Press Weekly

Tweet

2023 January 11 - 17 [POLITICS]

JCP Koike criticizes LDP vice-president for making 'public understands need for tax hikes for defense boost' remark

Japanese Communist Party Secretariat Head Koike Akira at a press conference in the Diet building on January 10 criticized Aso Taro, vice president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, for stating that the government has won public understanding of the need for tax hikes for an arms buildup.

In regard to possible tax increases associated with an expansion of Japan's military might, Aso, a former prime minister of Japan, during his talk on January 9 in Fukuoka Prefecture said, "I expected more opposition from the general public, but we have gained the understanding of many people regarding the need for the tax increases. They highly evaluate the government policy."

Asked by the press corps for comments on this remark, Koike said, "What data is he looking at? His off-the-cuff remark is totally unacceptable!"

Koike noted that the latest opinion poll (JNN, Jan.9) shows that 71% of respondents were opposed to tax hikes to help finance the planned strengthening of Japan's defense capability while 22% are in support. He added that the same survey also shows 48% of respondents voiced opposition to an increase in military spending (a total of 43 trillion yen over the next five years), compared to 39% in favor.

He said, "More than 70% of the general public is opposed to tax increases to pay for the drastic increase in military. Over the military buildup itself, public opinion is divided. However, opposition is increasing day by day."