Japan Readies Record ¥21.3tn Stimulus to Tackle Inflation and Support Growth
Japan is poised to roll out its largest economic stimulus since the pandemic, aiming to blunt the impact of stubborn inflation on households while shoring up growth. A draft outline points to a sweeping package under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi that leans heavily on fiscal support—even as markets weigh the cost of increased borrowing and the pressure on the yen.
The plan centers on ¥21.3 trillion (about $135 billion) in direct measures, including ¥17.7 trillion in general spending and ¥2.7 trillion in tax cuts. Funding will draw on stronger tax receipts and a sizeable uptick in government bond issuance, which is expected to exceed last year’s ¥6.69 trillion. When private-sector leverage is included, the total package expands to ¥42.8 trillion, reflecting a broad push to stimulate demand and cushion living costs.
Key allocations target immediate relief and strategic investment. About ¥11.7 trillion is earmarked for cost-of-living support and consumption, with measures such as a ¥20,000 per child top-up to family payments, income tax breaks, and a reduction in gasoline taxes. A further ¥7.2 trillion will bolster crisis-response capabilities and economic security priorities. The cabinet aims to approve the package on Friday, with a supplementary budget anticipated by late November. Takaichi has also pledged large-scale support for AI, semiconductor manufacturing, and shipbuilding—commitments that have coincided with yen weakness and a sell-off in Japanese government bonds, raising questions about the effectiveness of any currency intervention in such a backdrop.
Key Points – Japan plans a ¥21.3 trillion stimulus to counter inflation and support growth. – The package includes ¥17.7 trillion in spending and ¥2.7 trillion in tax cuts. – Total measures rise to ¥42.8 trillion when private-sector leverage is included. – Allocations feature ¥11.7 trillion for cost-of-living relief and ¥7.2 trillion for crisis-response and economic security. – Measures include ¥20,000 per child payments, income tax breaks, and gasoline tax cuts. – Funding relies partly on higher bond issuance, adding to market concerns over the yen and JGBs.
