What's missing in Japan's consumption tax debate

Global race to reduce corporate tax will force Tokyo to rely on other levies

An aerial view in Tokyo: The country will increasingly rely on consumption tax, experts say. © Getty Images

Nikkei staff writers

October 2, 2019 07:43 JST

TOKYO -- Japan's consumption tax went up to 10% from 8% on Tuesday after two postponements prompted by fears of a chilling impact on consumer spending and the economy

The Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government is going all-out to stem the expected economic slowdown. But experts tell Nikkei that a more important task is for the government to spell out to the public that the tax hike's goal is to sustain Japan's social security system.