Campaigning in the Lower House election has begun with most of the ruling and opposition parties pledging to cut the consumption tax.

The proposals show signs of not being well designed as they offer only ambiguous explanations for where revenues will come from in the range of a trillion yen to cover the cut.

The course of economic policy largely affects not only the daily lives of the public, but also the design of the next generation’s future.

The parties have the responsibility to present specific details about the options and bases for their measures to deal with surging consumer prices as well as the necessary growth strategy for a Japan facing a graying population and a falling birthrate.

Politicians who do not squarely face the nation’s severe fiscal condition and only present pleasing explanations are mocking the voters.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has been especially eager to cut the consumption tax, saying it was her ardent desire.

Although the platform of her Liberal Democratic Party........

© The Asahi Shimbun