Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pledged Friday to forge a "strong and prosperous" Japan, directly addressing escalating regional security challenges and outlining an ambitious economic agenda. Speaking in parliament, Takaichi highlighted China's assertive actions in the East and South China Seas, noting intensified military activities around Japan. She echoed concerns that the nation faces its most severe security environment since World War II, citing threats from China, Russia, and North Korea.
In response, Takaichi announced intentions to revise Japan's key defense policy documents this year, emphasizing the need to prepare for new forms of warfare and prolonged conflicts. She also signaled a desire to accelerate discussions on easing restrictions on lethal weapons exports, aiming to bolster allied deterrence and Japan's defense industrial base.
Economically, Takaichi assured investors that her growth-focused fiscal policies would not be "reckless," despite concerns about rising national debt. She committed to reducing Japan's debt-to-GDP ratio while prioritizing domestic investment in critical sectors like energy, health, infrastructure, and cybersecurity, alongside "growth" industries such as AI, chips, and shipbuilding.
In a move to alleviate consumer pressure, Takaichi reiterated her campaign pledge to consider suspending food consumption tax for two years. She also announced the formation of a cross-party council to address taxation and fund the nation's growing social security obligations. Takaichi further stressed the importance of maximizing decarbonized power sources for energy security and promoting domestically produced energy.