Sanae Takaichi
Prime Minister, Japan
Decisions from the two weeks to 13 October 2026
5 October 2026
Lays out fiscal policy and pledges consumption tax cut
Takaichi laid out a proactive fiscal policy as parliament opened and pledged a consumption tax cut without new bond issuance. She said the cut would bring ¥36,000 per citizen and defended combining it with income-based cash payments. [1] [2] [3]
The ¥36,000 cut offers voters cash, but Takaichi cited no data and made a costly, irreversible pledge optimised for one fiscal year.
Instead: I would have funded any consumption tax relief with identified revenue and evidence, not an irreversible pledge.
1 October 2026
Announces tightened permanent residency rules for foreigners
Takaichi announced new tightened measures for foreigners seeking permanent residency. [1] [2]
Tightening permanent residency may signal control, but Takaichi offered no evidence and the severity is out of proportion.
Instead: I would have kept existing rules and published evidence before tightening permanent residency requirements.
8 October 2026
Declines to replace farm minister over gaffe
Takaichi declined to replace her farm minister over a gaffe and told him to stay in office. [1] [2]
Keeping the farm minister may preserve loyalty, but Takaichi ignored the gaffe and protected her own political interest.
Instead: I would have replaced the farm minister or demanded accountability, because retaining him failed to address the gaffe.
13 October 2026
Pledges support for ICC and its Japanese president
Takaichi pledged support for the International Criminal Court and its Japanese president. She said Japan was deeply concerned by U.S. sanctions on the ICC. [1] [2]
Supporting the ICC and its Japanese president is principled, but Takaichi cited no evidence and did not address U.S. sanctions.
Instead: I would have backed the ICC while detailing concrete diplomatic steps against the U.S. sanctions.