Japan PM meets with Tokyo governor

Japan PM meets with Tokyo governor

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) shakes hands with Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 7, 2026. Koike told the press afterward that she called for the central government to address the capital's expected tax revenue fall following the planned cut to 1 percent from the current 8 percent in the consumption tax on food and beverages for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan PM meets with Tokyo governor

Japan PM meets with Tokyo governor

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) shakes hands with Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 7, 2026. Koike told the press afterward that she called for the central government to address the capital's expected tax revenue fall following the planned cut to 1 percent from the current 8 percent in the consumption tax on food and beverages for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan PM meets with Tokyo governor

Japan PM meets with Tokyo governor

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) shakes hands with Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 7, 2026. Koike told the press afterward that she called for the central government to address the capital's expected tax revenue fall following the planned cut to 1 percent from the current 8 percent in the consumption tax on food and beverages for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is pictured ahead of an extraordinary Cabinet meeting at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is pictured ahead of an extraordinary Cabinet meeting at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is pictured ahead of an extraordinary Cabinet meeting at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C) and her ministers are pictured ahead of an extraordinary Cabinet meeting at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan mulls additional release of oil reserves

Japan mulls additional release of oil reserves

File photo taken on Aug. 28, 2023, shows the Shibushi National Petroleum Stockpiling Base, straddling the towns of Higashikushira and Kimotsuki in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan. Japan is considering an additional release of oil reserves equivalent to 20 days of domestic consumption.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss her pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss her pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss her pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss her pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss her pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Takahiro Anno (2nd from R), leader of Team Mirai, speaks at the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (2nd from L) speaks at the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss her pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Takahiro Anno, leader of Team Mirai, speaks at the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Takahiro Anno (R), leader of Team Mirai, speaks at the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Photo taken on Feb. 26, 2026, shows the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Photo taken on Feb. 26, 2026, shows the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Fumitake Fujita (L), co-leader of the Japan Innovation Party, attends the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Photo taken on Feb. 26, 2026, shows the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Fumitake Fujita, co-leader of the Japan Innovation Party, attends the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Fumitake Fujita (C), co-leader of the Japan Innovation Party, and Takahiro Anno (L), leader of Team Mirai, attend the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Retail Stores In Tech Sector - Shenzhen

Retail Stores In Tech Sector - Shenzhen

Customers experience electronic products at the inno100 flagship store in Nanshan District of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Jan. 5, 2026. Recently, a number of retail stores in tech sector opened in many business districts of Shenzhen. In theses tech stores, consumers can experience smart electronic products such as embodied intelligent robots, 3D printing, and smart glasses. Shenzhen, a city at the forefront of China's intelligent manufacturing, is creating new scenarios of immersive retail consumption, bringing cutting-edge technology to consumers. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

Retail Stores In Tech Sector - Shenzhen

Retail Stores In Tech Sector - Shenzhen

A customer experiences an exoskeleton wearable device in the inno100 flagship store in Nanshan District of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Jan. 18, 2026. Recently, a number of retail stores in tech sector opened in many business districts of Shenzhen. In theses tech stores, consumers can experience smart electronic products such as embodied intelligent robots, 3D printing, and smart glasses. Shenzhen, a city at the forefront of China's intelligent manufacturing, is creating new scenarios of immersive retail consumption, bringing cutting-edge technology to consumers. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

Retail Stores In Tech Sector - Shenzhen

Retail Stores In Tech Sector - Shenzhen

Customers watch a robot demonstration at the inno100 flagship store in Nanshan District of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Jan. 5, 2026. Recently, a number of retail stores in tech sector opened in many business districts of Shenzhen. In theses tech stores, consumers can experience smart electronic products such as embodied intelligent robots, 3D printing, and smart glasses. Shenzhen, a city at the forefront of China's intelligent manufacturing, is creating new scenarios of immersive retail consumption, bringing cutting-edge technology to consumers. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

Retail Stores In Tech Sector - Shenzhen

Retail Stores In Tech Sector - Shenzhen

Customers experience smart glasses at the inno100 flagship store in Nanshan District of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Jan. 18, 2026. Recently, a number of retail stores in tech sector opened in many business districts of Shenzhen. In theses tech stores, consumers can experience smart electronic products such as embodied intelligent robots, 3D printing, and smart glasses. Shenzhen, a city at the forefront of China's intelligent manufacturing, is creating new scenarios of immersive retail consumption, bringing cutting-edge technology to consumers. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

Retail Stores In Tech Sector - Shenzhen

Retail Stores In Tech Sector - Shenzhen

People visit a robot store of ENGINEAI Robotics Technology Co., Ltd. in Futian District of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Jan. 15, 2026. Recently, a number of retail stores in tech sector opened in many business districts of Shenzhen. In theses tech stores, consumers can experience smart electronic products such as embodied intelligent robots, 3D printing, and smart glasses. Shenzhen, a city at the forefront of China's intelligent manufacturing, is creating new scenarios of immersive retail consumption, bringing cutting-edge technology to consumers. Photo by Liang Xu/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Retail Stores In Tech Sector - Shenzhen

Retail Stores In Tech Sector - Shenzhen

Customers learn about electronic products at the customization workstation in the inno100 flagship store in Nanshan District of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Jan. 18, 2026. The workstation is equipped with various DIY devices such as 3D printers, allowing for personalized customization of products. Recently, a number of retail stores in tech sector opened in many business districts of Shenzhen. In theses tech stores, consumers can experience smart electronic products such as embodied intelligent robots, 3D printing, and smart glasses. Shenzhen, a city at the forefront of China's intelligent manufacturing, is creating new scenarios of immersive retail consumption, bringing cutting-edge technology to consumers. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

Retail Stores In Tech Sector - Shenzhen

Retail Stores In Tech Sector - Shenzhen

A child interacts with a robot at the world's first robot 6S store in Longgang District of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, on Jan. 16, 2026. Recently, a number of retail stores in tech sector opened in many business districts of Shenzhen. In theses tech stores, consumers can experience smart electronic products such as embodied intelligent robots, 3D printing, and smart glasses. Shenzhen, a city at the forefront of China's intelligent manufacturing, is creating new scenarios of immersive retail consumption, bringing cutting-edge technology to consumers. Photo by Liang Xu/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Retail Stores In Tech Sector - Shenzhen

Retail Stores In Tech Sector - Shenzhen

A child interacts with a robot at the world's first robot 6S store in Longgang District of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, on Jan. 16, 2026. Recently, a number of retail stores in tech sector opened in many business districts of Shenzhen. In theses tech stores, consumers can experience smart electronic products such as embodied intelligent robots, 3D printing, and smart glasses. Shenzhen, a city at the forefront of China's intelligent manufacturing, is creating new scenarios of immersive retail consumption, bringing cutting-edge technology to consumers. Photo by Liang Xu/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Retail Stores In Tech Sector - Shenzhen

Retail Stores In Tech Sector - Shenzhen

This photo taken on Jan. 16, 2026 shows the world's first robot 6S store in Longgang District of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province. Recently, a number of retail stores in tech sector opened in many business districts of Shenzhen. In theses tech stores, consumers can experience smart electronic products such as embodied intelligent robots, 3D printing, and smart glasses. Shenzhen, a city at the forefront of China's intelligent manufacturing, is creating new scenarios of immersive retail consumption, bringing cutting-edge technology to consumers. Photo by Liang Xu/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Retail Stores In Tech Sector - Shenzhen

Retail Stores In Tech Sector - Shenzhen

A customer interacts with an embodied intelligent robot at a robot store of ENGINEAI Robotics Technology Co., Ltd. in Futian District of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Jan. 15, 2026. Recently, a number of retail stores in tech sector opened in many business districts of Shenzhen. In theses tech stores, consumers can experience smart electronic products such as embodied intelligent robots, 3D printing, and smart glasses. Shenzhen, a city at the forefront of China's intelligent manufacturing, is creating new scenarios of immersive retail consumption, bringing cutting-edge technology to consumers. Photo by Liang Xu/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Retail Stores In Tech Sector - Shenzhen

Retail Stores In Tech Sector - Shenzhen

A customer learns about robot products at a robot store of ENGINEAI Robotics Technology Co., Ltd. in Futian District of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Jan. 15, 2026. Recently, a number of retail stores in tech sector opened in many business districts of Shenzhen. In theses tech stores, consumers can experience smart electronic products such as embodied intelligent robots, 3D printing, and smart glasses. Shenzhen, a city at the forefront of China's intelligent manufacturing, is creating new scenarios of immersive retail consumption, bringing cutting-edge technology to consumers. Photo by Liang Xu/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM