The consumption tax increase next April will hit every household in Japan hard, with many people's financial future hanging on whether their wages rise enough to offset the impact of the hike, experts say.

Consumption tax raise misdirected

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe confirms that the government will raise the sales tax from 5 to 8 percent beginning in April. But will the tax hike lead to an economic downturn

Lifestyle | CHILD'S PLAY

A welcome sign: Tantrums may be on the way out

by Danielle Demetriou

Every parent is all too familiar with The Tantrum. The screaming, the flailing arms, the angry head butting — and the timing (normally in the most inconvenient public place possible).

Issues | JUST BE CAUSE

Triumph of Tokyo Olympic bid sends wrong signal to Japan's resurgent right

by Debito Arudou

International events undermine Japan's democracy. Shame on the International Olympic Committee for being a party to it.

Art

Kohfukuji temple: under divine protection

by C.B. Liddell

Tucked away behind the main museums in Ueno, the Tokyo University Art Museum may not be on most people’s radar, but it is definitely one of the city’s top museums in terms of curatorial quality. Whenever I go there, I am always delighted by ...

MLB

Pirates roar past Reds

Francisco Liriano showed up at PNC Park on Tuesday afternoon in a suit with his suitcase packed for a trip St. Louis. The message reverberated through the Pittsburgh Pirates clubhouse. After 21 years away from the playoffs, it was time for the best story ...

More Sports / Tennis

Australian Open hikes prize money

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – The Australian Open is increasing its prize money by $2.8 million to bring overall player compensation to $31 million next year.

Australian Open organizers did not break down the prize money awarded per round at their launch Wednesday for the tournament Jan. 13-26, but men and women will receive equal amounts as in previous years.

In keeping with player demands to see a larger slice of Grand Slam revenues, all four of tennis’ major tournaments have greatly increased their prize money in the past two years.

Wimbledon now offers about $36.5 million, while the U.S. Open increased its purse to $34.3 million and the French Open went up to $29.7 million.

Novak Djokovic and Victoria Azarenka are the defending champions at Melbourne Park. Tournament director Craig Tiley said Wednesday at the official launch for the Jan. 13-26 tournament that he expects the top 100 ranked men and women to play.

TOKYO (4 a.m.)

Sports

Economy | ANALYSIS

Households to take hit from tax hike

by Tomoko Otake