Key Facts
• June 17, 2025: Seiji Maehara, co-leader of the Japan Innovation Party, interviewed by Sankei News.
• Social insurance reform prioritized to address “stealth tax increases” without legal amendments.
• April 2026: New “Child and Childcare Support Fund” to increase public health insurance fees.
• Proposal: Reduce food consumption tax to 0% for two years to boost disposable income.
• Criticism of current agricultural policies; calls for direct subsidies to support young farmers.
• April 2025: Maehara raised constitutional reform in party leader debates, urging decisive action.
• High school tuition-free policy, agreed with LDP and Komeito, faced online criticism.
• Coalition decision post-election rests with party leader Hirofumi Yoshimura.
Summary
Seiji Maehara, co-leader of the Japan Innovation Party, emphasized social insurance reform and tax policy adjustments in a June 17 interview. He criticized the “stealth tax” nature of rising social insurance fees, particularly the upcoming “Child and Childcare Support Fund,” and proposed a two-year 0% food consumption tax to increase disposable income. Maehara also highlighted the need for agricultural reforms, including direct subsidies to encourage young farmers. On constitutional reform, he expressed frustration over the lack of progress and called for decisive action. Despite online criticism of the party’s tuition-free high school policy, Maehara defended it as a long-term benefit. Decisions on a potential coalition with the Liberal Democratic Party post-election will be made by party leader Hirofumi Yoshimura.
