Sanae Takaichi, Japan's Prime Minister, is facing growing controversy as she repeatedly modifies or clarifies her statements made in official settings, including the National Diet. Criticism has emerged, particularly from opposition parties, as the intent of her remarks on economic policy and diplomatic issues appears to shift.
According to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun on October 21, Takaichi stated during a budget committee meeting in the House of Councillors on October 19 that she does "not deny" the issuance of government bonds to fund a reduction in the consumption tax rate on food from the current 8% to 1% over the next two years. This contradicts her earlier comments made in July, where she asserted that funding would come from restructuring expenditures and revenues, and that she would not rely on deficit bonds.
Following the backlash, Takaichi reaffirmed her commitment to not relying on deficit bonds during a parliamentary session later that same day. She also clarified on X (formerly Twitter) that while she does not deny the issuance of bonds, her stance against relying on deficit bonds remains unchanged. The next day, she reiterated her position in the House of Representatives, emphasizing the importance of market confidence.
Opposition leader Mitsunari Okamoto of the Komeito party criticized Takaichi's remarks, suggesting they were merely an attempt to correct excessive statements. Dai Saku Hiraki, the Komeito's House of Councillors secretary-general, pointed out that even if the government lowers the tax rate, it is difficult to predict the actual impact on prices, raising questions about the consistency of the current tax reduction policy.
The reasons for Takaichi's absence from the recent Group of Seven (G7) online summit have also sparked controversy. On October 2, Deputy Foreign Minister Kazuya Endo represented Japan instead. In response to criticism, Takaichi explained on October 5 that the meeting was hastily arranged at the request of the French presidency and that proxy attendance was permitted. However, during the budget committee meeting on October 16, she noted that preparations for the meeting, including large displays, were not in place, as she was busy drafting her speech for the National Diet.
Takaichi has also faced scrutiny for late corrections to statements made by her ministers. Former Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Kazuo Yana stirred controversy in February by stating that he had significantly cut road budgets in regions where local leaders did not support him during the House of Representatives elections. Takaichi remarked on October 13 that if true, such comments were "really inappropriate and unsophisticated," only to clarify the next day that she meant they were "embarrassing." Yana resigned on October 14 amid criticism over his remarks and allegations regarding free bus services for supporters, with Takaichi acknowledging her responsibility for his appointment.
Earlier this year, Takaichi faced backlash for stating during a campaign rally that the weak yen was beneficial for the foreign exchange special account, describing the situation as "sweet" at the time.
In the realm of foreign affairs, the fallout has been even more significant. Takaichi previously suggested that a crisis in Taiwan could constitute a "situation threatening Japan's existence," leading to a rapid deterioration in Japan-China relations. This legal concept allows for collective self-defense under certain conditions when a closely allied nation is attacked.
On October 5, during a policy speech, Takaichi referred to China as an "important neighbor" and expressed a desire to improve relations, yet tensions between the two countries persist.
The repeated need for Takaichi to clarify her statements on social media and in follow-up responses has intensified the debate over her communication style and the consistency of her policy messages.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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