A recent survey reveals that only 20% of candidates from Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) are in favor of maintaining the consumption tax at its current rate. This significant finding has emerged in the lead-up to the national election. Critics argue that the reluctance to retain the current tax system underscores the fiscal dilemmas that Japan faces, even as it continues to struggle with a dampened economy amid the pandemic.

In Japan, the consumption tax is a critical source of government revenue, contributing to social security provisions and public debt payment. Even minor alterations often ignite heated debates, as it directly affects people's livelihoods and the performance of the economy. The public often scrutinizes politicians' stance on this topic, especially during elections, as it can be an indication of their policy outlooks.

While Japan grapples with its tax policies, similar debates occur in other economies, such as the US and EU. For instance, VAT tax rates and fiscal policies are commonly debated topics during elections in member states of the EU. Similarly, discussions around altering sales tax or introducing new tax reforms are critical parts of US elections.