A consumption tax cut that was such a pivotal issue in Sunday's Upper House election is not a foregone conclusion given the political realities of a minority government and the economic realities of Japan, some analysts say.
In the historic vote, the Liberal Democratic Party-Komeito coalition lost its majority and now controls neither house of parliament, although it still has the Cabinet.
It has stood firmly against lowering the consumption tax — which is currently set at 10% for most items and 8% for food and beverages — while most opposition parties have called for a reduction of the tax or simply abolishing it.
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