Consumption tax reduction debate halted, foreign resident fees to be significantly raised

Consumption tax reduction debate halted by ruling-opposition confrontation, interim report delayed The ruling-opposition confrontation over the House of Representatives seat reduction bill has spilled over, and the working-level meetings of the Social Security National Council, which discusses consumption tax reduction and refundable tax credits, have not been held since June 26. The government aims to compile an interim report by July, but some opposition parties are refusing to participate, making it unclear whether the tax cut will start in April 2027 in time. 1

Foreign resident fees to be up to 75,000 yen, permanent residence 200,000 yen The Immigration Services Agency announced on the 3rd a cabinet order to raise the fee for changing or renewing status of residence from the current flat 6,000 yen to between 10,000 and 75,000 yen depending on the period of residence, and for permanent residence from 10,000 to 200,000 yen. Scheduled to take effect in October, the aim is to secure financial resources to handle the rapidly increasing number of foreign residents. 2

Economy minister says EU's 50% tariff 'regrettable, concerns not dispelled' Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Ryosei Akazawa stated in a press conference after the cabinet meeting on the 3rd regarding the EU's 50% tariff measures on Japanese industry that 'concerns have not been dispelled and it is regrettable,' indicating a policy of continuing to monitor the impact. 3

Reporting order issued to Kissei Pharmaceutical, 20 deaths from vasculitis treatment drug The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced on the 3rd that it issued a reporting order under the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act regarding the problem of 20 patient deaths after administration of the vasculitis treatment drug 'Tavneos' sold domestically by Kissei Pharmaceutical. In the US, the paper supporting approval has been retracted, and the European Medicines Agency has recommended revocation of approval. 4

Hamaoka nuclear plant data fraud, economy minister says 'extremely serious,' to take strict action Minister of Economy Akazawa stated on the 3rd regarding the falsification of earthquake data at Chubu Electric Power's Hamaoka nuclear plant that 'we take it extremely seriously' and indicated a policy of strict action based on reports under the Electricity Business Act. The Nuclear Regulation Authority's interim report states that the misconduct continued even after the investigation began, and systematic cover-up is suspected. 5

Yen exchange rate, finance minister says 'respond appropriately,' in close contact with US authorities Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama stated on the 3rd regarding the yen's depreciation that 'we will always respond appropriately when necessary,' hinting at the possibility of market intervention. She emphasized being in close contact with US authorities, including on US holidays. 6

Centrist leader criticizes PM's forceful Diet management 'affects political life' Junya Ogawa, leader of the Centrist Reform League, criticized on the 3rd the forced deliberation of the House of Representatives seat reduction bill and the Deputy Capital Establishment Bill, asserting that 'ultimately it will affect the Prime Minister's own political life.' He expressed the view that the ruling party's hardline stance is causing the Diet to stall. 7

First arrest of 'case dealer' in Tokuryu, provided victim information to ringleader The Metropolitan Police Department arrested on the 3rd suspect Sota Ishikura (26), a 'case dealer' who leaked victims' assets and home information to the ringleader in a robbery case involving illegal part-time jobs, on suspicion of theft. This is the first arrest of a 'case dealer' in the series of Tokuryu (anonymous fluid criminal group) cases occurring in the greater Tokyo area. 8