TOKYO -- Japan's looming upper house election is shaping up as a referendum on whether the country should cut its consumption tax, as households continue to struggle with a cost-of-living crisis.
Japan election
Japan upper house election becomes referendum on consumption tax cut
Ruling coalition offers cash handouts; opposition favors slashing levies
Leaders of eight of Japan's political parties take part in a debate at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on July 2. The country will hold an election for about half of the seats in the Diet's upper house. (Photo by Marina Inoue)
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