Komeito hears those hit hardest by rising prices

There are two key questions that voters will seek answers to in Sunday's Upper House election: The more immediate question is how do we overcome the high cost of living? And the longer-term question is how can we build a Japanese economy and social-services infrastructure that are resilient and sustainable?

Parliamentarians must heed the voices of those whose lives are hit hardest by soaring prices and do everything possible to alleviate their hardship. Some argue for a tax reduction while others call for a one-time payout. Komeito holds that both are necessary, fully cognizant that neither are lasting remedies.

The income-tax reduction we proposed will go into effect by the end of 2025, with 99% of taxpayers projected to receive between ¥20,000 to ¥40,000 each. As for the one-time payment, it will direct ¥40,000 to a single adult under the household municipal tax exemption and to all children under the age of 18; every other adult in that household will receive ¥20,000.

When retail prices on rice began soaring, Komeito convinced the government to make available its national reserves to consumers at acceptable price points. We also called for the adoption of limited tender contracts in which the state sets prices when procuring rice, leading to declining rice prices. We further aim to roll out agricultural policies and programs that will not only boost rice production but also ensure that farmers are entitled to a viable income.

Komeito recognizes that what people demand from politics above all is a sound political vision that guides the nation toward a better future, not simply stopgap measures to offset mounting consumer prices. Worker wages must outpace the cost of living and employees should rightfully expect actual increases in salaries in a growing economy. To achieve this, the most important step is to incentivize small- and medium-sized firms — which comprise some 70% of the domestic workforce — to better compensate workers. Komeito will help direct a combined private-public sector investment of ¥60 trillion over the next five years that includes reducing taxes on capital investment and promotion of exports. In addition, our party will be developing ways to raise incomes for essential workers across a host of industries and sectors, from medicine and caregiving to disability services, childcare, distribution and construction.

More than 126,000 respondents took part in a Komeito policymaking survey conducted online this year. Among those responding, a sizable number complained of the amount they were having to shoulder to repay the education they received. As a result, we are working on a program in which a portion of their repayment will be income-tax deductible. We are doing so to lay the societal groundwork so that those who have had to borrow money to advance their education may avoid the specter of post-graduation financial distress.

For public policy to yield tangible results, a country must be able to rely on a stable and sustainable revenue stream. Komeito is proposing the creation of a sovereign wealth fund for the investment of a measure of Japan’s vast financial assets. A similar effort has already proven fruitful as a part of the national pension reserve has been invested to yield a cumulative dividend of ¥155 trillion to date. Komeito is aiming to transform Japan from a nation in perennial search of revenues to a nation that perennially generates revenues.

Fanned by media reports, a growing number of Japanese are concerned over the illegal activities and disorderly conduct engaged by a small minority of foreign nationals living in Japan. Indeed, a few political parties are openly hostile toward foreign residents and are inciting xenophobia for political ends. Komeito categorically rejects such shameless exclusionist tactics. In spite of its challenges, an inclusive society in which people from abroad coexist in harmony with Japanese citizens offers far greater promise for the future than any alternative. As politicians, we need to remind ourselves where similar missteps have led Japan in the past. Granted, prescriptive policies will be necessary in addressing foreign offenders, including stricter regulations and criminal enforcement.

On the foreign-policy front, U.S. President Donald Trump recently announced the imposition of a 25% “reciprocal tariff” on all Japanese exports to the U.S. from Aug. 1. Komeito maintains that every available diplomatic channel be pursued to negotiate a fair and proper settlement without compromising its principles. If levied, the so-called Trump tariffs are sure to adversely impact the Japanese economy, particularly the automobile industry. Steps must be taken to protect small manufacturers and the agricultural sector from the projected fallout. Japan should also strengthen partnerships with nations that share free-trade agreements; additional economic-stimulus measures may be needed as well.

In recognition of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Komeito released its Peacebuilding Vision in 2025 as a roadmap to help guide the international community towards conciliation, cooperation and peace. It has three core components: The first is to establish a framework to enhance through dialogue regionwide security and reassurance in Northeast Asia. The second is for Japan to serve as an intermediary to bridge the differences between those nations with nuclear arms and those without and to prepare the groundwork for Japan to ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. The third component is to institute regulatory oversight of advances in AI technologies, focusing on such peaceful uses as ways to combat global warming and climate change.

Japan’s Constitution is founded on three inalienable democratic pillars: popular sovereignty, respect for basic human rights and commitment to pacificist principles. These pillars must stand in perpetuity. Nevertheless, ideals that were yet to be identified at the time of the Constitution’s drafting and new challenges in the modern era have since emerged. Komeito has consistently argued for constitutional augmentation, not amendment, with supplemental articles and/or clauses carefully examined if needed.

“To stand forever with common citizens.” Our party has faithfully abided by that founding principle for over six decades. We are proud of our track record of policymaking, developed from the ideas, aspirations and insights of ordinary people, a resource we believe has no political equal and a role that is indispensable to the parliamentary efficacy of our nation.

In the lead-up to the July 20 Upper House election, The Japan Times reached out to the nation’s major political parties requesting an op-ed for our Opinion pages on why this election is so crucial and why their party deserves the citizens’ vote. We are publishing all those who responded.