Digital minister Taro Kono, a candidate in the upcoming Liberal Democratic Party presidential election, has made a promise to eliminate year-end tax adjustments and require all citizens to file a tax return. Another candidate, LDP Secretary General Toshimitsu Motegi, has pledged to attract semiconductor production bases and data centers to regional areas as part of his plan to ”remake Japan.”
During his press conference on Thursday, Kono explained that implementing mandatory tax returns for everyone would allow the government to centrally manage income information and provide targeted assistance more efficiently. He also called for the division of the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry.
In terms of national security, Kono emphasized the need for a review of Japan’s defense equipment system and mentioned the possibility of deploying nuclear submarines. He stated that discussions should be held regarding strategies for controlling China’s maritime expansion in the East China Sea.
Motegi focused on addressing the overconcentration of population and industry in Tokyo. He highlighted how business hubs that generate employment opportunities and knowledge hubs that attract talent are primarily concentrated in Tokyo. Motegi proposed reorganizing ministries and agencies as part of his plan. Specifically, he suggested making Hello Work job placement offices independent entities with strengthened functions as career support agencies. Additionally, he recommended merging the Natural Resources and Energy Agency with the Environment Ministry to establish an energy and environment ministry dedicated to promoting stable power supply and decarbonization.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi responded to Kono’s remarks about nuclear submarine deployment by stating that it would be challenging for Japan due to current interpretations of the Atomic Energy Basic Law.
Former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi and former LDP Secretary General Shigeru Ishiba are expected to announce their campaign pledges on Tuesday.