Taxation
Latest news and updates on taxation for expats in Japan
Japan Debates Food Tax Cuts as Cost of Living Pressures Mount
Japanese political parties are debating reducing consumption tax on food items to address rising living costs. While the proposal could lower grocery ...
Japan Plans Support for Industries Affected by Food Tax Reduction
Japan's government plans support for restaurants, farmers, and fisheries concerned about impacts from proposed food tax reductions. Cross-party talks ...
Japan Eyes Food Tax Cut: System Updates Could Take Up to One Year
Japan's government estimates food tax reduction would require 5-12 months for retail system updates, depending on whether rates drop to 1% or zero. Cu...
Japan Considers 1% Food Tax Cut Starting April 2027
Japan is considering reducing consumption tax on food and beverages from 8% to 7% starting April 2027. The 1% cut could provide modest savings for exp...
Japan Proposes New Give-and-Take Tax Credit System for Income Support
Japan's National Council will present a give-and-take tax credit proposal calculating support individually based on income, with enhanced benefits for...
Government Targets Furusato Nozei Platform Fees to Protect Local Revenue
Japan's government requests furusato nozei platforms reduce fees after 130 billion yen (11% of donations) went to operators. The move aims to preserve...
Food Tax Elimination Proposal Sparks Concerns from Japan's Producers
Agriculture and fishery groups express concerns about proposed food tax elimination, citing complexity as producers would still pay consumption tax on...
Osaka Tax Bureau Employee Leaks 250+ Taxpayer Records in Phone Scam
An Osaka tax bureau employee leaked 250+ taxpayer records after being deceived by a scammer impersonating a police officer. The breach affects individ...
Zero Food Tax Proposal: What Price Changes Could Mean for Expats
Lawmakers debate eliminating Japan's 8% food consumption tax, but questions remain whether retailers would pass savings to consumers. The cross-party ...
Proposed Food Tax Cut Faces Industry Resistance Over System Upgrades
Japan's proposed elimination of consumption tax on food faces strong business opposition due to system upgrade challenges. Industry groups cite techni...
Japan Proposes Zero Consumption Tax on Food Items for Two Years
Japan's government is debating a proposal to eliminate consumption tax on food items for two years. Prime Minister Takaichi's new National Council beg...
Second Takaichi Cabinet Launches with Consumption Tax Cuts on Agenda
Prime Minister Takaichi's new cabinet prioritizes eliminating consumption tax on food for two years and passing the FY2026 budget by March 31. All cab...
Japan's Food Costs Push Engel Coefficient to Highest Level in 44 Years
Japan's Engel coefficient reached a 44-year high in 2025 as food inflation squeezes household budgets. Rice prices continue rising, with five kilogram...
Tax Relief and Social Insurance Reform Dominate Election Campaign Promises
Political parties promise consumption tax cuts or elimination and social insurance reductions to combat inflation. Foreign residents could see signifi...
Political Parties Propose Major Tax Relief for Foreign Workers in Japan
Opposition parties propose tax cuts and social insurance relief that could increase expats' take-home pay, including consumption tax elimination on fo...
Japan's Political Parties Propose Major Consumption Tax Cuts Ahead of Election
Major Japanese political parties propose consumption tax cuts ranging from two-year food exemptions to 5% rate reductions. Implementation depends on e...
Japan's Election Sparks Major Consumption Tax Reduction Debate
Japan's February 2026 election features major consumption tax reduction proposals, with parties suggesting temporary food tax exemptions or permanent ...
Real Wages Fall for 11th Straight Month as Living Costs Outpace Pay Rises
Real wages in Japan fell for the 11th consecutive month through November 2024 despite nominal pay increases, as inflation outpaces earnings. New child...
Japan's Budget Battles: What Tax Reforms Mean for Foreign Residents
Japan's government seeks opposition support for the 2026 budget while planning major tax reforms, including a new tax credit system. Foreign residents...
Japan's 2025 Budget Faces Political Uncertainty Amid Tax Debate
Japan's 2025 budget faces uncertainty as coalition partner Komeito withholds automatic support, while political parties debate tax reduction proposals...