The Ministry of Finance was reported to be viewed as being on the defensive over consumption tax cuts, while Minister Katayama (片山)'s international standing is said to be rising. The course of consumption tax policy remains the focus of political debate.
The Ministry of Finance is reportedly facing growing perceptions that it is on the defensive over the debate surrounding consumption tax cuts. Views within the government are divided, and the handling of related bills in the current Diet session is the focus of attention.
Minister Katayama (片山)'s international standing is said to be rising. Attention is focused on the minister's ability to implement policy and on the international response.