Financing plan for Japan's consumption tax rate reduction on food and beverages

First, with regard to securing the financial resources needed for the reduction in the consumption tax rate on food and beverages, we will secure those resources without relying on the issuance of deficit-financing bonds, in a manner that will ensure the confidence of the market. I do not believe there is any need for concern regarding that. We have a solid outlook for securing the necessary resources. The Takaichi Cabinet will address a number of important challenges, including properly reflecting economic and price developments and establishing the “Strong and Prosperous Japan” Investment Framework, and there are various other fiscal needs as well. As for securing the financial resources for all of those needs, we will consider this matter while keeping in view the overall image of the budget formulation reform that we will undertake in the future. Going forward, within the very...