Gov't Bonds Top Choice To Fund Japan Defense Spending

In the latest Yomiuri poll, 51% of respondents indicated that they understood the government and ruling parties’ plan to raise defense spending to more than ¥40 trillion total over the next five years, and they see government bonds would be issued to finance the expenditure, Yomiuri Shimbun reported.

Photo Insert: 61% of those who support the ruling parties are in favor of the ministry’s draft, while 32% of those in the same group oppose it.

When those in support were asked about the main source of funds for the increase, 38% said, “The issuance of government bonds,” which was the highest response rate. It was followed by those who named “cuts in other budgets such as social security” at 30%, and “tax increases” at 27%.

As to the draft proposed by the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry to allow nuclear power plants to extend their operational periods and to proceed with the rebuilding of plants for which decommissioning has been decided, the latest poll also surveyed people’s views according to the political party they support.

It found that 61% of those who support the ruling parties are in favor of the ministry’s draft, while 32% of those in the same group oppose it.

Among those who have no party affiliation, 46% of them are in favor of the draft, exceeding the 43% who oppose it. Among those who support opposition parties, 46% of them said they are in favor of the plan, while 49% said they oppose it.

WEEKLY FEATURE : MVP Group Keeps Lights On During Pandemic