- 2 days ago
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
00:09I don't think reducing the consumption tax is a good policy.
00:17Long emergency
00:20In today's world, crises are chain-reactions and tend to be prolonged.
00:25To protect the lives and livelihoods of the people
00:29It's better to use your crisis-resilient capabilities to counter crises.
00:33I think this will be a way to use money effectively.
00:41I believe Japanese diplomacy should not compromise its principles.
00:45And even if the other party is an ally, you must say what needs to be said.
00:48I have to
00:50Even with hostile nations, there should be a channel for dialogue; necessary dialogue should be conducted properly.
00:55Open it
00:55When you talk about it properly, these are the important things.
01:05good morning
01:07This is the Nikkei Sunday Salon.
01:09Today's guest is Mr. Yoshihisa Furukawa, Deputy Secretary-General of the Liberal Democratic Party.
01:13Thank you for your cooperation.
01:14Thank you for your cooperation.
01:17Mr. Furukawa, what made you want to become a politician?
01:20There isn't really a specific trigger, but
01:22My grandfather, who passed away when I was little...
01:26Yoshihisa, I want you to become like Saigo Takamori in the future.
01:29Saigo-san kept bringing up promising young people
01:33I got a lot of important jobs.
01:36So Yoshihisa, you too will become a politician in the future.
01:38Like Saigo Takamori.
01:40I was constantly told to bring up this promising young talent.
01:44That's right.
01:45That's why it was ingrained in me.
01:49That continued all this time, and it continues to this day.
01:52In the program, we ask our guests about their favorite EPs.
01:55What is Mr. Furukawa's role?
01:58It's this book.
02:01This is precisely what Ashitsu Uzuhiko, a scholar of Japanese classics, said.
02:04So it's a book about Saigo Takamori.
02:08This was once out of print.
02:11I think I was around 20 years old at the time.
02:13I got it at a used bookstore in Kanda.
02:18Saigo-san from earlier
02:19Let's talk about this book in more detail.
02:22My feelings towards Saigo are really strong.
02:24This is how I went in.
02:28I feel like that led to where we are today.
02:30What do you find appealing about it?
02:32Aside from the young man who was administered the drug, Saigo's
02:35I guess they'll just ignore it.
02:39Call me
02:41I think they definitely have a broad perspective.
02:43I see
02:45Now, let's move on to individual policy issues.
02:48Let's hear what you have to say.
02:49The Liberal Democratic Party is considering a consumption tax on food products.
02:52For two years starting in April 2027
02:55Lower it from 8% to 1%
02:58I have approved the government's basic policy.
03:00What are your thoughts, Mr. Furukawa?
03:03First of all,
03:04Prices are high right now.
03:06As a measure to combat rising prices
03:08Let's start by explaining what's good about it.
03:10The discussion has already begun, hasn't it?
03:12So the consumption tax reduction is
03:15The benefits of that tax cut
03:18So, the benefits end up going more generously to those with higher incomes, right?
03:22But I'd rather have a payment.
03:24Targeting middle- and low-income individuals who are in dire need
03:28It would be better to concentrate the payments there.
03:31The effect is high.
03:32So it's not a consumption tax reduction.
03:34One point is that the benefits are superior.
03:38And another one is
03:39Medical care, pensions, and long-term care
03:41Childcare support
03:43This is the stable source of funding for these four social security expenses.
03:48Therefore, social security funding
03:50It can be repurposed as a measure to combat inflation.
03:52I disagree.
03:55They say they'll change it back in two years.
03:58I think that would be quite difficult.
04:01To raise
04:04Looking at past events, too.
04:06Raising the consumption tax rate means
04:08It's not that simple.
04:09That's why I think it might not be easy to go back to how it was before.
04:13If that happens, the financial foundation of social security will
04:16That would really shake things up, wouldn't it?
04:18The third is
04:21I am in a long emergency
04:25The phrase "long state of emergency"
04:27I am using it, but
04:29In this day and age, crises are a chain reaction.
04:33prolonged
04:35For example, when a war breaks out
04:37Energy crisis
04:38Food crisis
04:40inflation
04:42financial crisis
04:43Natural disasters
04:44Or something like a pandemic could happen.
04:47in combination
04:49This disaster will continue to spread
04:52As before
04:53If you pay the money.
04:54In an era when you could buy anything
04:56I think it's gone.
04:58If the consumption tax were to be reduced to 1% at that time...
05:02So, that means they'll be using up 4.3 trillion yen worth of funds.
05:08A uniform payment
05:09Is it really a good idea to do something like that?
05:11Or maybe...
05:12To protect the lives and livelihoods of the people
05:15Responding to crises with resilience
05:18For that purpose,
05:20I think this will be a way to use money effectively.
05:23I think
05:25There are several points to consider.
05:27I
05:29A reduction in consumption tax is
05:31I don't think it's a good policy.
05:33Furukawa-san
05:34Not only are they making such statements,
05:36Onodera appointed as chairman of the Tax System Research Council.
05:37Did you submit a written opinion?
05:39Currently, a consumption tax cut is more desirable than
05:41Is the content suggesting that we should go with the payment plan?
05:43that's right
05:44The content
05:45Policy-related content and
05:47Another important aspect is how the discussion is conducted.
05:50What are my thoughts on this?
05:53It has been delivered.
05:55My understanding is that...
05:56There was a House of Councillors election last year, wasn't there?
05:57The Liberal Democratic Party is taking a foreign stance.
05:59Up to that point, the opposition party
06:00They were talking about a partial consumption tax cut.
06:02I don't like the Liberal Democratic Party.
06:02So, after all, a consumption tax cut is
06:04You shouldn't touch it.
06:05That was my position.
06:06However, in February of this year
06:07The opposition is still
06:08Cutting the consumption tax in half, for example.
06:10Set it to zero or
06:11High-end
06:12Among various things
06:13The Liberal Democratic Party too.
06:14Regarding the consumption tax reduction
06:15In order to accelerate the review
06:17In a sense
06:19Excluding Team Mirai
06:20Everyone wants a consumption tax cut.
06:21It looks like that's what happened.
06:22From the voters' perspective
06:23I said that so many times in February.
06:24Why is this controversy happening now?
06:26I think there are some questions, though.
06:27How about this place?
06:29No, no
06:29A controversy, or rather
06:32The National Conference will accelerate its deliberations.
06:34That was their campaign promise, wasn't it?
06:36Therefore, I will follow that promise.
06:38At the National Social Security Conference
06:4022 times
06:41So you had a serious discussion, right?
06:45the result
06:47The so-called consumption tax reduction is
06:49It didn't come together.
06:51And within the party as well
06:53At the Tax Department's Government District Executive Committee
06:55Most people are against it, after all.
06:57I think you're absolutely right.
07:00In the February election, Ms. Takaichi
07:02They won so many times
07:02Because he was the one who led the Liberal Democratic Party.
07:04Ms. Takaichi to some extent
07:05There's also the idea of ​​taking the lead.
07:07But after all that discussion in the National Assembly
07:09A considerable amount of replacement costs were also paid.
07:10The opposition parties also consulted with the supporters.
07:12There are also discussions that it should be reviewed.
07:14But now the Takaichi administration
07:16I got approval for the Liberal Democratic Party's basic policy.
07:18Now, towards the extraordinary session of the Diet in the fall
07:20Finally
07:21The next step is to create and submit the law.
07:24Even now, from here
07:25Is there a possibility that it will be reviewed?
07:28The possibility of it being reviewed is
07:30I think there's almost none.
07:32A bill is coming up.
07:34What are you going to do?
07:36First of all...
07:38They were arguing fiercely.
07:41And once it's all together
07:42To be united and united
07:45That was a good tradition of the Liberal Democratic Party.
07:49But we haven't discussed that this time.
07:52I haven't done it.
07:55But we managed to come together.
07:56So everyone this
07:58I guess the discussion will be about imposing a binding agreement.
08:01And also on August 4th.
08:03Secretary-General Suzuki at a press conference
08:06He made a statement at the press conference, but
08:08As for the source of funding...
08:10It should be made clear.
08:12The government should explain that.
08:14They've clearly put their foot down there, haven't they?
08:16Meanwhile, Finance Minister Katayama said
08:19Regarding the sources of funding, we can tell you the following:
08:22They're saying it's the second week of December, right?
08:25So until then
08:27When it was decided that the bill would be debated...
08:29The discussion on funding sources is still based on a blank slate.
08:33Let's just decide with this.
08:34So that's how the conversation is going to turn out.
08:37This is also true from the perspective of fiscal democracy.
08:41I think there are quite a lot of problems.
08:44I'm an old, long-time political journalist.
08:46I think that's typical of the Liberal Democratic Party.
08:48Whether the party president says it or the prime minister says it...
08:51I tend to speak up when I disagree.
08:52I think that's one of the good things about the Liberal Democratic Party.
08:53But in reality, from here on out...
08:55The process of drafting the bill has begun.
08:56It will be presented as a government proposal at the Akino Extraordinary Diet session.
08:58What are you going to do?
09:00In other words, one more meeting at the General Affairs Committee
09:01The stage of obtaining approval for the bill
09:03Based on previous examples,
09:05Those who oppose it will probably be absent.
09:06But ultimately, first in the House of Representatives
09:08It will go to a vote, right?
09:10The discussions within the party
09:12Therefore, in order to stifle the discussion this time
09:15So you've just grouped them all together, right?
09:17I think the stage will now move to the National Diet.
09:19In the Diet, the term "fiscal democracy" is used.
09:23This matter will be properly discussed in the Diet.
09:28I think it's about letting the public see it.
09:31What is fiscal democracy in the first place?
09:34The government must not arbitrarily use its finances to do whatever it wants.
09:38So, the parliament will check it, right?
09:41The National Diet, which represents the people
09:43That's why it's a fiscal democracy.
09:45Important Bill
09:47When deciding on an important bill
09:48When they decide on important bills that directly affect the lives of the people
09:51Kini
09:51Without any explanation of the source of funding
09:56However, just because this is a long-cherished wish doesn't mean that we should make a decision.
09:58I don't think so.
09:59As the Diet has a responsibility, we must properly discuss this matter.
10:03The idea is for the public to see it as well.
10:06I think that's the role of the Diet.
10:09The Diet also has a House of Councillors.
10:10The House of Councillors is more in favor of the opposition.
10:12We have 4 more seats.
10:14That's something that will be discussed in the Diet, after all.
10:17That's something I'd like to pay attention to.
10:21This program is brought to you by Nikkei Inc.
10:26Therefore, in order to solidify that financial strength
10:30Ultimately, we have to ask the citizens to bear a certain burden.
10:34do not have
10:35National Council for Social Security
10:36The ruling and opposition parties have been holding bipartisan discussions since the House of Representatives election.
10:40It's here
10:40We couldn't reach a consensus on reducing the consumption tax.
10:43Mr. Furukawa's thoughts
10:44What are your thoughts now, considering the process of the discussions up to this point?
10:49I believe this national conference involved thorough discussion.
10:53That's the impression I have.
10:56The so-called main target was the tax credit with benefits.
10:59Exclusion
11:00This has been largely settled into the form of income-contingent payments.
11:05This is good
11:07The question is how to handle the transitions leading up to the main keep.
11:13The Chairman's proposal, in other words, the one with a 1% consumption tax.
11:16Alternatively, proposals from the National Democratic Party or Team Mirai have been proposed.
11:21I have come
11:22Personally, I thought Team Mirai's proposal was good.
11:28Team Mirai is consistent.
11:30We're leaning towards something like a grant rather than a consumption tax.
11:34A National Social Security Council was established.
11:37The discussion was based on the premise of a refundable tax credit.
11:39I think this is a big step forward.
11:40So we've reached a certain conclusion.
11:43Mr. Furukawa, that's when you look at it from a long-term perspective.
11:45What do you think is the best form of taxation and social security in Japan?
11:48Will it break?
11:50Including a certain amount of refundable tax credits
11:53There are various social security systems up until now, aren't there?
11:55If we organize this,
11:58I think that a tax credit with a refund is what I really think.
12:01I think it's essential.
12:03In other words, the burden on the Japanese people is
12:09In developed countries, as income increases
12:13It creates a curve where the burden rate increases, right?
12:16However, in Japan, the burden falls disproportionately on middle- and low-income earners.
12:22And it tends to be lighter for those with relatively high incomes.
12:25So the curve is not this kind of curve
12:27It has this kind of curve, right?
12:30The reason why Japan is the only country with such a distorted curve is
12:34Of taxes and social insurance contributions, the proportion of social insurance contributions is
12:39Because there are many
12:41This is how it ends up, right?
12:44Therefore, this shape must be corrected.
12:46As income increases, the burden rate rises like this.
12:50We must give it form
12:52It's really tough for people in the middle and lower income brackets to make ends meet.
12:57So, let's do that.
12:59To make this irregular curve closer to this clean curve
13:02In order to
13:03For example, increasing the tax burden on subsidies.
13:06I believe that the correct approach is to smooth out the curve through such measures.
13:12I am
13:13This is also a matter of perspective.
13:14Some people say that Japan's social security system is a moderate welfare system with low tax burden.
13:17There are, aren't there?
13:18As you just mentioned, is that what you call the Okinawa curve?
13:20Okinawa Curve
13:21As a result, it seems that raising the consumption tax is indeed a good idea.
13:24Kuikara
13:25Like social insurance contributions, this is the result of being happy for a long time.
13:27In fact, people with low to middle incomes, around 2 to 3 million yen a year, are crying out in distress.
13:32It's true that it's going up.
13:33I need to get used to this.
13:34In this discussion, the idea is to use a consumption tax cut to bridge the gap for two years.
13:38mosquito
13:38The opinion is that it should be covered by financial assistance.
13:40So, the transition will begin on April 1st, 2017.
13:44Yes,
13:45But I don't think this has been discussed here either.
13:48In that case, at what level should the school principal be able to receive the subsidy tax?
13:50It depends.
13:52We need funding.
13:53For example, we are currently doubling our defense budget.
13:57Depending on the multiplier, it can be as much as three times.
13:58Social security costs will also increase due to the aging population.
14:00How should we view the overall funding sources?
14:04If you can't get it through insurance premiums...
14:06Corporate tax, income tax, or consumption tax (all essential taxes)
14:09Realistically, the consumption tax will inevitably be discussed somewhere.
14:12I suppose there's no other choice.
14:14It seems like they're surprisingly running away from this place.
14:16How about this?
14:18You're absolutely right, the balance between fiscal spending and funding sources
14:23is
14:24I don't think that spending money is necessarily a good thing, right?
14:28The market is already watching.
14:30If you lose the trust of the market
14:32That means that financial capacity itself will be lost.
14:38This balance is extremely important.
14:40Especially, especially.
14:42I just said "long emergency," but...
14:45We are entering such a difficult era.
14:47We live in an era where various crises hit us one after another, often in a delayed manner.
14:51It's getting to that point
14:52However, no matter what crisis may befall
14:55After all, being able to use water and electricity
15:00I can eat three meals a day.
15:02I was able to go to the hospital and school properly.
15:05In this way the lives of the people
15:07The lives of the citizens will be properly protected.
15:11In short, we need crisis response capabilities, right?
15:13Crisis response capability is
15:15In other words, this refers to fiscal capacity.
15:18That's it.
15:20Therefore, in order to ensure that financial capacity is secure
15:24Ultimately, we have to ask the citizens to bear a certain burden.
15:28do not have
15:28Is that what consumption tax is?
15:31Or is it something called income tax?
15:32Or is it another tax?
15:34There are various ways of thinking about it,
15:36Ultimately, asking the public to bear the burden is...
15:40This is the responsibility of politics.
15:43I think that's the job of politics.
15:45It always happens when discussing tax increases.
15:47It seems the discussion has turned to gender equality and the idea that we shouldn't bully the people.
15:49Yes,
15:50Therefore, the water supply tax school must provide a proper minimum guarantee.
15:54and
15:54I think the discussion will definitely deepen if we have a set.
15:57In that sense, I think now is a good opportunity.
15:59I agree
15:59And another thing is social security.
16:02This is for people in a vulnerable position.
16:06That's for people with power and money.
16:08You can do it on your own, right?
16:10Even if you go to see a doctor...
16:12However, for most citizens, that's not really the case.
16:16In the social security system
16:19Therefore, social security is especially important for those in vulnerable positions.
16:23That's the reason.
16:24Therefore, we must protect the social security system at all costs.
16:27No
16:28That's what I think.
16:31Last October, the Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party agreed to form a coalition.
16:35to
16:36The bill includes a goal to reduce the number of seats in the House of Representatives by 10%.
16:40I saw it.
16:40Mr. Furukawa expressed discomfort with that.
16:43What are your thoughts?
16:45The electoral system is the foundation of democratic politics, isn't it?
16:50Therefore, altering the electoral system means
16:53It's equivalent to thinking about the future of Japanese democracy.
16:59That's the reason.
17:02So, up until now, within the Diet
17:05Under this chairman, this council
17:07A council will be formed with the participation of all parties.
17:10Let's discuss the need to fundamentally rethink this electoral system.
17:14It's here
17:15They're still doing it.
17:18Then the Ishin Party and the Liberal Democratic Party formed a coalition.
17:22Among the agreements made at that time was the reduction of constants.
17:27So, things are a bit chaotic here right now.
17:34But this constant reduction, or rather, the talk of constant reduction
17:38This is within the coalition agreement between the Ishin Party and the Liberal Democratic Party.
17:44It's a matter of circumstances.
17:46It's an internal matter.
17:48But the electoral system is essentially about how to manage democracy.
17:53So, these are two different stories on different dimensions.
17:56The movements are also noisy and clunky.
17:58In other words, it's like trying to forcibly join a bamboo to a tree.
18:03I feel that something is off.
18:06I'm sorry to ask you so many questions.
18:08From what I've heard so far...
18:09Then there's the talk of a consumption tax cut, and also the reduction of the number of seats, etc.
18:13The Takaichi administration and the Ishin party have reached an agreement or are trying to move forward with it.
18:16Given his position as Deputy Secretary-General,
18:18I get the feeling that you don't have many different opinions.
18:21Are you okay? Are you prepared for that cold rice?
18:23No, no, I've always preferred cold rice.
18:27But after all, he is a politician.
18:30Ultimately, what is right for the people?
18:34Things that need to be said need to be said.
18:37That's about it.
18:41Japan is part of the international community in which it finds itself.
18:45China continues to strengthen its military capabilities.
18:47They've pretty much militarized the South China Sea.
18:50They're also putting quite a bit of pressure on the East China Sea.
18:53Amidst this situation, Russian President Putin
18:55I recently went to Eterov Island.
18:57Even though I have control over it
18:59So, like this,
19:01Well, I'm kind of choosing and showing them to people.
19:04On the other hand, there's America, which we've been relying on.
19:06It seems that their way of thinking is quite different from that of Japan.
19:09It's flickering
19:10Well, more recently, there have been cases of imposing sanctions on the ICC.
19:13They might start saying things like that
19:14What should Japan do?
19:18We're getting along relatively well with South Korea, for one thing.
19:20What should Japan do now?
19:22Well, the world, you know.
19:24This power again
19:27We've entered another era where we're driven by transactions and things like that.
19:31I think it's finally here.
19:34That's precisely why we must not compromise our principles.
19:38I believe Japanese diplomacy should not compromise its principles.
19:42And even if the other party is an ally, you must say what needs to be said.
19:45I have to
19:47Even if they are enemy nations
19:49Dialogue window
19:50When necessary, open the door and have a thorough discussion.
19:55These things are important
19:56I believe this will strengthen Japanese diplomacy.
20:01It seems like I'm not doing either of those things at first glance.
20:03We will properly implement Japanese principles.
20:05We also need to say what needs to be said to America.
20:07Even though they were in conflict with it
20:09We will engage in dialogue with China and China.
20:13September onwards is diplomatic season.
20:15This is definitely one of the challenges facing the Takaichi administration, isn't it?
20:19Well, yes.
20:19Rather than the Takaichi administration
20:21In this present era
20:24I think this is a challenge for Japan.
20:27Well, a long emergency means
20:30I used a lot today.
20:32I think times have changed.
20:34Up until now, for example, the world after World War II
20:39American military power, etc.
20:40Like the dollar, the reserve currency.
20:43Or a free trade system, or
20:45The United Nations and other organizations promote international cooperation, etc.
20:49Well, there is such infrastructure
20:52That's how Japan's recovery and growth were achieved, right?
20:58But that foundation is now crumbling.
21:02It's different from before.
21:04So, the future
21:05How Japan
21:07How will we live through this long-term emergency?
21:10That's what I mean.
21:11Let's stop our feet once more.
21:15This is how Japan will proceed.
21:17I believe that's the job of politics.
21:20In short
21:22Protecting the lives and livelihoods of the people
21:26This is politics, isn't it?
21:27To achieve that, this is how we've been doing it up until now.
21:30But from now on, let's come over here, everyone!
21:34To show this form
21:36I believe this is the responsibility of the current political system.
21:41Finally, could you tell us your personal motto?
21:49yes
21:51Is this supervised by you?
21:54These are the fifth and sixth lines of the five-character poem from the last week.
22:02Enduring the snow, the plum blossoms bloom beautifully, passing through frost and weathering the wind and rain.
22:08In other words, only by enduring the cold of winter
22:12Plum blossoms bloom with a lovely fragrance.
22:15And only by enduring the harsh cold of a frosty winter
22:20They're going to make these maple leaves bright red.
22:23The leaves change color.
22:25That's what the song is about.
22:30I think that applies to everything in life.
22:34Things don't always go as planned in this world.
22:36I believe you were rejected twice, right?
22:38It's been 8 years twice.
22:39Were they the dominant group and the rebels?
22:43The first half was pretty tough, wasn't it?
22:46But not just in the course of politics
22:49After all, this world is life
22:52Isn't that just how it is?
22:53It's just like the laws of nature after all.
22:57There are all sorts of things that happen,
22:58But after experiencing that
23:03I think it's something that becomes more flavorful over time.
23:06As various curses
23:08I'll keep an eye on you.
23:09I love watching Saigo-san.
23:12Mr. Furukawa, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule today.
23:15thank you
23:16thank you very much
23:19What did you think of Mr. Kitamura and Mr. Furukawa's stories?
23:22I also felt their strong feelings towards Saigo.
23:25Does this mean they are carrying on that legacy?
23:28Even within the Liberal Democratic Party, you still have to say what needs to be said.
23:31I felt a sense of resolve in him today, as a politician.
23:35The same goes for the consumption tax.
23:37I was glad to hear Mr. Furukawa's thoughts.
23:40Among the various things I asked about today
23:42Taxes and social security are the foundation of a country.
23:45Therefore, the conclusion should have been reached in the House of Representatives election in February.
23:48I think that's the direction we should be heading in.
23:51That's just how it is in Japan
23:53The election has not yet reached a conclusion.
23:55However, this is a very important issue.
23:57Autumn Extraordinary Diet Session
23:58Then, sometime next year.
24:00I would like to observe the discussions between the ruling and opposition parties.
24:02Please be sure to tune in to the Nikkei Sunday Salon next week as well.
24:07This program was brought to you by Nikkei Inc.
24:15Long emergency means
24:17I used it a lot today.
24:19I think times have changed.
Comments