165,000 people held nationwide actions opposing tax increase

Japan Press Weekly

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

165,000 people held nationwide actions opposing tax increase

On March 12, as Hatoyama Cabinet ministers are calling for a consumption tax increase just three days before the March 15 tax return deadline, the 41st annual action opposing a tax increase was held at 570 locations throughout Japan with about 165,000 participants, including small- and medium-sized business owners, farmers, and pensioners.

In Tachikawa City, Tokyo, about 1,300 people marched in demonstration to the tax office by holding banners and flags, reading, “Change the government economic policy to one led by domestic demand! Oppose a regressive consumption tax increase!” They then filed their income tax returns at the tax office.

A 38-year-old carpenter said, “A consumption tax rate increase to 10%-15% will make my life harder yet and will destroy my business.” A 78-year-old man running a car repair shop stated, “If the consumption tax rate is raised, I will have to give up my business.”

- Akahata, March 13, 2010