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Japan's consumption tax currently stands at 10 percent and 8 percent on food items, burdening consumers. Most political parties are calling for it to be cut or abolished as part of their campaigns for the February 8 Lower House election, answering voter demands for relief from rising prices.
Japan has started allowing over-the-counter sales of the emergency contraceptive drug Norlevo. This so-called 'morning-after' pill was previously available only with a prescription. Those needing the pill can now buy it at a pharmacy, without worrying about age restrictions or needing the consent of their parents or partner. However, they are required to buy it in person and take it on site under the supervision of a trained pharmacist.
With Japan's Lower House election just days away, the cost of living has moved to the center of the political debate. Consumer prices in Japan rose by more than 3 percent last year, squeezing household budgets and reshaping how voters see the economy, and more than 40 percent of respondents to an NHK opinion poll said proposals to curb prices will influence how they vote.
As Japanese election campaigns increase their use of social media, short videos in particular are taking on a bigger role. In the current campaign for the Lower House election, their numbers have been on the rise. NHK took a look at posts by political parties on a video-sharing website, and found that two-thirds of the contents were short videos.
With regional tensions increasing, national security and diplomacy have become key issues for voters in Japan's general election. NHK's senior commentator Kajiwara Takamoto explores these topics and the approaches taken by different political parties.
