EconomyJapan's journey to fiscal health fraught with challenges
Government caught between reducing deficit and ensuring economic growth
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, left, and Finance Minister Taro Aso talk at the prime minister's office on Dec. 22.
December 23, 2017 07:47 JST
TOKYO -- The Japanese government is expected to come up with a new plan for paring down its budget deficit as early as June, but many within the ruling coalition remain concerned that further tax hikes and spending cuts could slam the brakes on the economy.