TOKYO — Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is set to emphasize her administration’s commitment to driving economic growth and creating a forward-looking society during an upcoming policy speech before parliament, according to draft details revealed on Wednesday, September 30.
Deliverable on the opening day of an extraordinary Diet session on Monday, the address outlines a path for domestic investment through a new five-year implementation plan for Japan’s national growth strategy. While the draft refrains from detailing specific funding sources for these policy measures, it reassures the public by stating, “There is nothing to worry about.”
Takaichi plans to pledge the realization of a “virtuous cycle under the expansion of gross domestic product” by boosting job opportunities, personal incomes, and tax revenues.
Her administration aims to elevate Japan’s potential growth rate by leveraging government fiscal stimulus to incentivize private investment.
A central priority of the speech will be seeking public and legislative backing for a bill that reduces the consumption tax on food and beverages—a proposal expected to spark intense debate during the Diet session.
Takaichi will explain that “the bill is intended to provide households with as much leeway as possible,” while acknowledging that opposition parties have frequently championed similar tax reduction measures.
To maintain market stability, the prime minister will assert that the government will secure the necessary fiscal backing without relying on deficit-covering bonds. Although specific funding mechanisms are omitted from the draft, she will promise that her administration will “enhance trust in the government through dialogue with the market.”
On global affairs, Takaichi will reiterate Japan’s commitment to the International Criminal Court (ICC), signaling support for the institution at a time when the United States is pressing member nations to withdraw. She will express her resolve to preserve and strengthen the international order through the rule of law.
Addressing regional security, the prime minister will declare that she “could never accept” North Korea’s continued nuclear and missile developments. However, she will emphasize that all diplomatic options remain open—including a potential summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un—to resolve the long-standing issue of Japanese citizens abducted by Pyongyang.
Domestically, Takaichi will highlight the upcoming launch of the National Disaster Management Agency in November, establishing it as the central command hub for federal disaster response and emergency preparedness.
Regarding prefectural relations with Okinawa following the election of its first conservative governor in 12 years, the prime minister will commit to revitalizing the local economy. She will also pledge to advance the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma from Ginowan to the Henoko coastal region in Nago.
Finally, touching upon the national referendum law revision enacted in July, Takaichi will characterize the legislation as “great progress in creating an environment in which the people can decide whether to revise the Constitution.”