Japan Press Weekly

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2024 November 13 - 19 [SOCIAL ISSUES]

Freelance writers and voice actors hold event against consumption-tax-invoice system

Freelance independent writers and voice actors on November 16 held an event near JR Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to oppose the consumption-tax-invoice system. Their talk show, picture-story shows, skits, and other performances attracted the attention of shoppers and passersby.

Japanese Communist Party Executive Committee Chair Tamura Tomoko and Yoshida Harumi, a Lower House lawmaker of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, delivered speeches in solidarity.

Tamura said, “Tax collection is essentially meant to eliminate economic disparities. Taking advantage of the increase in the number of opposition party seats as a result of the general election, we will convey your demand for the abolition of the invoice system to the Diet.”

Tsuchiya Manabu of the Musicians’ Union of Japan said that more than 60% of musicians are freelancers, and that many of them have 10% deducted from their performance fees or remuneration without a clear understanding of the system. He criticized the unfair tax policy, saying, “The government is trying to diminish Japanese culture while promoting it as ‘Cool Japan’.”

Past related articles:
> ‘Ishin’ party executive makes abusive comments on civil protest against tax-invoice system [September 27, 2023]
> Cross-party Dietmembers hold hearing with entertainment groups on tax-invoice system [November 17, 2022]