Japan Ruling Parties Mull Cash Handouts Ahead Of Upper House Race

Japan’s government and ruling coalition parties are considering using surplus national tax revenues to issue public cash handouts in an effort to combat rising prices, Nozomu Takeuchi and Minami Nomaguchi reported for Mainichi Japan.

The measure is expected to be a centerpiece of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner Komeito’s campaign platform for the upcoming House of Councilors election this summer. I Photo: Lombroso Wikimedia Commons

The proposal involves a uniform handout—likely amounting to tens of thousands of yen per person—without any income restrictions.

The measure is expected to be a centerpiece of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner Komeito’s campaign platform for the upcoming House of Councilors election this summer.

Sources within the government and ruling parties revealed recently hat discussions are underway to determine the exact amount, with both parties aiming to accelerate coordination.

Back in April, the government had floated a similar plan to issue public handouts of ¥30,000 to ¥50,000 (approximately $207 to $345) per person in response to rising prices and new U.S. tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.

That plan, however, was shelved due to a lack of support from opposition parties to pass the supplementary budget bill needed to fund the estimated multi-trillion-yen program.