Key Facts
• December 18, 2025: Agreement reached to raise income tax threshold from ¥160,000 to ¥178,000.
• December 20, 2025: Yuichiro Tamaki apologizes during a YouTube livestream for ‘Mission Complete’ remark.
• Agreement includes raising basic tax deduction eligibility to incomes between ¥200,000 and ¥665,000.
• Tamaki clarified that the term ‘Mission Complete’ was meant to honor negotiation efforts.
• Public criticism arose due to remaining income restrictions and perceived limited benefits.
• Initial proposal by the Ministry of Finance suggested raising the threshold to ¥300,000, covering only 10% of taxpayers.
• Final agreement expanded coverage to 80% of taxpayers, according to Tamaki.
• Tamaki emphasized the need for further reforms, including introducing refundable tax credits within three years.
• Social media reactions highlighted disappointment over limited benefits for lower-income groups.
• Agreement also included abolishing the temporary gasoline tax rate.
Summary
Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the National Democratic Party, apologized for his ‘Mission Complete’ comment regarding the recent agreement to raise Japan’s income tax threshold. The December 18 agreement, reached with the Liberal Democratic and Komeito parties, raised the threshold from ¥160,000 to ¥178,000 and expanded basic tax deduction eligibility to incomes up to ¥665,000. While Tamaki praised the negotiation efforts, public criticism emerged over remaining income restrictions and limited benefits for lower-income groups. Tamaki acknowledged the need for further reforms, including introducing refundable tax credits within three years. The agreement also abolished the temporary gasoline tax rate, marking a significant policy shift.
