Japan Press Weekly

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2023 August 30 - September 5 [POLITICS]

Over 360K signatures opposing implementation of sales tax invoice system submitted

A group of freelance workers such as voice actors and writers, smaller business operators, farmers, construction workers, and judicial scriveners on September 4 submitted to the Finance Ministry, National Tax Agency, and the Japan Fair Trade Commission 361,171 signatures opposing the implementation of the consumption tax invoice system.

Prior to the signature submission, the group held a rally in the House of Representatives members’ office building. Japanese Communist Party Dietmembers Tamura Takaaki (Lower House), Miyamoto Toru (Lower House), and Iwabuchi Tomo (Upper House) took part in the rally.

Later on the day, JCP Secretariat Head Koike Akira at a press conference in the Diet building pointed out, “Many smaller business owners and freelance workers are claiming that the implementation of the tax invoice system will force them to give up on their businesses.” He said, “Amid the increasing costs in business operations, small- and mid-sized enterprises are struggling to survive. Under this situation, it is totally unacceptable for the government to implement the tax invoice system.”

Past related articles:
> Cross-party Dietmembers hold hearing with entertainment groups on tax-invoice system [November 17, 2022]
> Freelance workers rally to oppose introduction of consumption tax invoice system [October 27 & 28, 2022]