Japan's extra Diet session to begin with consumption tax cut bills in focus

Japan's parliament is scheduled to convene an extraordinary session on Monday. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government intends to ensure the passage of consumption tax cut bills and other key policy initiatives. The 69-day session will see opposition forces, though fragmented, questioning the qualifications of two ministers involved in a previous funding scandal and recent controversial remarks.

Takaichi will deliver a policy speech in both Diet houses, likely explaining legislation for a two-year consumption tax reduction on food and beverages from 8 percent to 1 percent in April. This move aims to help households cope with inflation. The ruling coalition, comprising the Liberal Democratic Party and its junior partner, the Japan Innovation Party, holds a majority in the lower chamber, allowing them to override the Senate.

The session will also focus on bills for diversifying crude oil suppliers and establishing rules for land acquisitions in areas important to national security. The opposition remains divided after the Centrist Reform Alliance split from the previous coalition ally. A Cabinet reshuffle in September led to backlash, with the first ministers named after being disciplined over a funding scandal.