Japan's extraordinary Diet session begins

Japan's extraordinary Diet session begins

An extraordinary session of Japan's Diet began on Monday, setting the stage for the first parliamentary debate since Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae reshuffled her Cabinet. The main focus will be deliberations on a bill to reduce the consumption tax on food items.

Takaichi retained core ministers in last month's Cabinet reshuffle.

They include Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara Minoru, Finance Minister Katayama Satsuki, Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu and Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro.

The Emperor was in attendance during the opening ceremony that was held in the Upper House.

Takaichi then delivered a policy speech in the Lower House, and expanded on the government's proposal to reduce the consumption tax.

She said: "The government is preparing a bill to cut the consumption tax and provide financial assistance. The aim is to reduce the tax burden on food products, which are most closely tied to people's daily lives, while also providing income-based support payments to create a little more room in household budgets. As for securing the necessary funding, the government will do so without relying on 'Special Deficit-Financing Bonds' and in a manner that maintains market confidence. There is no cause for concern."

The government also plans to submit a bill to the Diet that would require approval for the acquisition of land near facilities considered vital to national security.

The Diet session is set to run for 69 days through December 12.