Japan Press Weekly

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2008 March 12 - 18 [LABOR]

Workers, small business operators, and farmers stage protests against tax increases

On March 13, the tax filing deadline, about 180,000 people held rallies and demonstrations at 580 locations throughout Japan in protest against the government’s policy of shifting heavier tax burdens onto working people while giving large corporations tax cuts.

This year’s action by workers, medium- and small-sized business owners, farmers, and pensioners took place at a time when oil and grain prices are rising and dealing a heavy blow to medium- and small-sized businesses.

In protest against the government intention to raise the consumption tax rate under the pretext of the need to ensure funds for social security programs, participants called for the budget to protect smaller businesses and to improve social security programs to be increased.

In Tokyo’s Adachi Ward, about 800 people marched in demonstration and filed their tax returns at two tax offices after holding two rallies. They held placards that read, “Pay more for subcontractors’ work,” and “More full-time jobs.”

Kobayashi Yoko, a 64-year-old owner of a pet food store, said that due to the oil price hike, ingredients for pet food increased about three times since the end of last year and is expected to increase again in April. “We can’t ask customers to cover the increased cost. Our income has drastically decreased,” she said.
- Akahata, March 14, 2008