Takaichi pledges to take necessary legislative measures as swiftly as possible

With regard to the bill concerning the reduction in the consumption tax rate on food and beverages and the introduction of financial assistance to help reduce the burden on working individuals, we have been considering these measures based on our recognition that the most pressing issue at present is to reduce the burden on middle- and lower-income earners who have been struggling with rising prices and the burden of taxes and social insurance contributions. In the discussions at the National Council on Social Security, there was considerable common ground among the participating political parties on the need to look at the overall burden of taxes and social insurance contributions borne by middle- and lower-income earners and to provide relief at an early stage. In particular, while there were various views regarding finely targeted assistance based on income levels, I believe that the proposal was broadly accepted by the participating political parties. Based on the outline approved by the Cabinet the other day on September 15, the Government intends to take the necessary legislative measures and other steps as swiftly as possible. We will continue to give full consideration to the views of the various political parties contained in the [National Council for Social Security's] Interim Report and will approach the preparation and deliberation of the bills carefully, with the aim of securing the support of as many political parties as possible. With regard to the bill on reducing the number of seats that you mentioned, this is a bill introduced by Diet members. It was submitted by the LDP and the Japan Innovation Party during the previous special session of the Diet and has been carried over for continued deliberation. I understand that it will continue to be discussed in the Diet. As this is a bill introduced by Diet members, it is rather difficult for me to comment on it in my capacity as Prime Minister at a press conference. That said, the question of how the number of seats in the Diet should be determined is an issue that goes to the very foundation of democracy. It is therefore a matter that should first and foremost be debated in the Diet, and I intend to closely monitor the course of those discussions. This being said, I would add that, with regard to reducing the number of seats in the House of Representatives, the LDP has signed a coalition government agreement with the Japan Innovation Party. In addition, reducing the number of seats was included as a policy pledge in our campaign platform for this year’s House of Representatives election. Accordingly, I believe we should make a sincere effort toward realizing that commitment. With regard to the upcoming diplomatic schedule, including the status of considerations regarding talks to be held at APEC, I would like to refrain from making any assumptions at this point. Even so, as I have stated consistently since taking office as Prime Minister, China is an important neighboring country for Japan. Our policy of comprehensively promoting a "Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests" while building "constructive and stable Japan-China relations" remains consistent. Precisely because there are pending issues and challenges between Japan and China, we engage in dialogue and maintain communication at various levels and on various occasions, and we attach great importance to doing so. Going forward, we intend to maintain communication with the Chinese side and continue responding calmly and appropriately from the perspective of Japan’s national interests. A Japan-U.S. summit meeting has not yet been confirmed. With regard to the ICC, however, we continue to engage with the United States on this matter. While maintaining close communication with the countries concerned, we will continue to work to strengthen the rule of law in the international community. I will also continue to convey Japan’s position on this issue.