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.

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

HIROSHIMA, Japan, Aug. 6 Kyodo - Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi delivers a speech during a ceremony at the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, marking the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city. (Kyodo)

A-bomb survivors' groups meet PM Takaichi in Hiroshima

A-bomb survivors' groups meet PM Takaichi in Hiroshima

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (seated, far L) meets with representatives of groups of atomic bomb survivors in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city. The group complained to Takaichi about discussions by the government and ruling parties on reviewing Japan's nonnuclear principles.

A-bomb survivors' groups meet PM Takaichi in Hiroshima

A-bomb survivors' groups meet PM Takaichi in Hiroshima

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (seated, far L) meets with representatives of groups of atomic bomb survivors in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city. The group complained to Takaichi about discussions by the government and ruling parties on reviewing Japan's nonnuclear principles.

A-bomb survivors' groups meet PM Takaichi in Hiroshima

A-bomb survivors' groups meet PM Takaichi in Hiroshima

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets with representatives of groups of atomic bomb survivors in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city. The group complained to Takaichi about discussions by the government and ruling parties on reviewing Japan's nonnuclear principles.

A-bomb survivors' groups meet PM Takaichi in Hiroshima

A-bomb survivors' groups meet PM Takaichi in Hiroshima

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (back, far L) meets with representatives of groups of atomic bomb survivors in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city. The group complained to Takaichi about discussions by the government and ruling parties on reviewing Japan's nonnuclear principles.

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks during her visit to a nursing home for atomic bomb survivors in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, the 81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city.

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (L) presents a bouquet to an atomic bomb survivor at a nursing home for survivors in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city.

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi delivers a speech during a ceremony at the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, marking the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city.

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi delivers a speech during a ceremony at the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, marking the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city. (Pool photo)

A-bomb survivors' groups meet PM Takaichi in Hiroshima

A-bomb survivors' groups meet PM Takaichi in Hiroshima

Kunihiko Sakuma, head of the Hiroshima Prefectural Confederation of A-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, speaks during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city. Hiroshima A-bomb survivors' groups, including Sakuma's, complained to Takaichi about discussions by the government and ruling parties on reviewing Japan's nonnuclear principles.

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi holds a press conference in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city.

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi holds a press conference in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city.

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi holds a press conference in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city.

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi holds a press conference in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city.

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

Photo shows a message, "Praying for peace," left by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in the guestbook at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city. (Pool photo)

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.

U.S. treasury secretary comments on Japan's credit policy

U.S. treasury secretary comments on Japan's credit policy

Japan Business Federation head Yoshinobu Tsutsui meets the press at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026, following U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's comments taken as seeking credit tightening by Japanese monetary authorities. Bessent said in a CNBC interview the previous day he believes Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda "will do what is needed" when asked whether the BOJ's next move should be a rate hike.

U.S. treasury secretary comments on Japan's credit policy

U.S. treasury secretary comments on Japan's credit policy

Japan Business Federation head Yoshinobu Tsutsui meets the press at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026, following U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's comments taken as seeking credit tightening by Japanese monetary authorities. Bessent said in a CNBC interview the previous day he believes Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda "will do what is needed" when asked whether the BOJ's next move should be a rate hike.

10-time Olympic skating medalist Takagi given People's Honor Award

10-time Olympic skating medalist Takagi given People's Honor Award

Ten-time Olympic speed skating medalist Miho Takagi (R) receives a bouquet from Japanese Olympic Committee President Seiko Hashimoto in Tokyo on Aug. 4, 2026, after attending a ceremony at which she was conferred the People's Honor Award at the prime minister's office earlier in the day.

10-time Olympic skating medalist Takagi given People's Honor Award

10-time Olympic skating medalist Takagi given People's Honor Award

Ten-time Olympic speed skating medalist Miho Takagi (R) receives a bouquet from Japanese Olympic Committee President Seiko Hashimoto in Tokyo on Aug. 4, 2026, after attending a ceremony at which she was conferred the People's Honor Award at the prime minister's office earlier in the day.

Japan PM Takaichi visits quake-hit Kumamoto

Japan PM Takaichi visits quake-hit Kumamoto

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C) holds talks with Kumamoto Gov. Takashi Kimura at the Kumamoto prefectural government office on Aug. 3, 2026, during her visit to the southwestern Japan prefecture struck by a powerful earthquake on July 28. (Pool photo)

Japan PM Takaichi visits quake-hit Kumamoto

Japan PM Takaichi visits quake-hit Kumamoto

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets with people at an evacuation center in Hikawa in Kumamoto Prefecture on Aug. 3, 2026, after a powerful earthquake struck the southwestern Japan prefecture and its vicinity on July 28. (Pool photo)

Japan PM Takaichi visits quake-hit Kumamoto

Japan PM Takaichi visits quake-hit Kumamoto

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (L) meets with people at an evacuation center in Hikawa in Kumamoto Prefecture on Aug. 3, 2026, after a powerful earthquake struck the southwestern Japan prefecture and its vicinity on July 28. (Pool photo)

Japan PM Takaichi visits quake-hit Kumamoto

Japan PM Takaichi visits quake-hit Kumamoto

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C) meets with people at an evacuation center in Hikawa in Kumamoto Prefecture on Aug. 3, 2026, after a powerful earthquake struck the southwestern Japan prefecture and its vicinity on July 28. (Pool photo)

Japan PM Takaichi visits quake-hit Kumamoto

Japan PM Takaichi visits quake-hit Kumamoto

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C) meets with people at an evacuation center in Hikawa in Kumamoto Prefecture on Aug. 3, 2026, after a powerful earthquake struck the southwestern Japan prefecture and its vicinity on July 28. (Pool photo)

Japan PM Takaichi visits quake-hit Kumamoto

Japan PM Takaichi visits quake-hit Kumamoto

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C) meets the press at the Kumamoto prefectural government office alongside Kumamoto Gov. Takashi Kimura (2nd from R) on Aug. 3, 2026, during her visit to the southwestern Japan prefecture struck by a powerful earthquake on July 28. (Pool photo)

Japan PM Takaichi visits quake-hit Kumamoto

Japan PM Takaichi visits quake-hit Kumamoto

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (3rd from L) holds talks with Kumamoto Gov. Takashi Kimura (2nd from R) at the Kumamoto prefectural government office on Aug. 3, 2026, during her visit to the southwestern Japan prefecture struck by a powerful earthquake on July 28. (Pool photo)

Japan PM Takaichi visits quake-hit Kumamoto

Japan PM Takaichi visits quake-hit Kumamoto

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C) meets with people at an evacuation center in Hikawa in Kumamoto Prefecture on Aug. 3, 2026, after a powerful earthquake struck the southwestern Japan prefecture and its vicinity on July 28. (Pool photo)

Japan PM Takaichi visits quake-hit Kumamoto

Japan PM Takaichi visits quake-hit Kumamoto

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (L) shakes hands with people at an evacuation center in Hikawa in Kumamoto Prefecture on Aug. 3, 2026, after a powerful earthquake struck the southwestern Japan prefecture and its vicinity on July 28. (Pool photo)

Japan PM Takaichi visits quake-hit Kumamoto

Japan PM Takaichi visits quake-hit Kumamoto

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (far R) visits an evacuation center in Hikawa in Kumamoto Prefecture on Aug. 3, 2026, after a powerful earthquake struck the southwestern Japan prefecture and its vicinity on July 28. (Pool photo)

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.