Japan party leaders clash over consumption tax, foreigner rules

Japan election

PM Takaichi and rivals debate tax cuts, fiscal risks and immigration ahead of election

20260126 Japanese Leaders Debate

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, right, speaks during a debate in Tokyo on Jan. 26, a day before lower house election campaigning formally opens. (Photo by Sae Kamae)

TSUBASA SURUGA

January 26, 2026 17:54 JST

TOKYO -- Japan's political leaders clashed in a debate on Monday over issues such as easing rising living costs and managing the growing number of foreign residents in the country, exposing divisions ahead of a lower house election expected to be fought largely on tax policy and social cohesion.

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