Japan's new budget puts stimulus first as tax hike nears

But fiscal measures risk simply delaying blow to taxpayers

The fiscal 2019 budget approved by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's cabinet on Dec. 21 includes measures to offset the impact of the planned consumption tax increase. (Photo by Uichiro Kasai)

MARIKO KODAKI, Nikkei staff writer

December 22, 2018 08:01 JST

TOKYO -- The Japanese government hopes to use its record budget for fiscal 2019 to spur consumer spending after next year's consumption tax hike, but it may have trouble dealing with the aftermath if demand drops off as feared.