The Yomiuri Shimbun's front page reported that the Japanese government has started adjusting winter electricity and gas bills, providing a total subsidy of about 6,000 yen over three months from January to March next year as part of a comprehensive economic measure including measures against high prices. The overall scale of economic measures, including general account expenditures and special account expenditures in the supplementary budget for fiscal year 2025, as well as large-scale tax cuts, is expected to exceed 17 trillion yen. Under Prime Minister Kishida's "responsible and proactive finance," it is expected to significantly exceed the previous year's 14.8 trillion yen, and there may be further expansion in the future.

General account expenditures are expected to be approximately 14 trillion yen (13.9 trillion yen last year). It aims to support the financial resources of the special session of the Diet through a supplementary budget bill. The economic measures will be decided by the cabinet on the 21st based on coordination with the Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party.

In terms of measures against high prices, it is planned to provide a monthly subsidy of approximately 1,000 to 2,500 yen for electricity and gas bills used by ordinary households in January to March. The subsidies in January and February, when it is very cold, will be generous, and the total support amount is expected to be about 6,000 yen after three months. In July to September, a subsidy of about 1,000 yen per month will be provided, but it will double.

Additionally, priority support local grants for recommended menus such as food purchase support will be expanded, and the expected relief effect is about 10,000 yen per household. It is assumed to be used for "Okome tickets."

The Japan Innovation Party, which forms a coalition with the Liberal Democratic Party, has not abandoned the cash welfare advocated by the former Ishiba government, but has called for clear measures to alleviate family burdens. This includes canceling the temporary tax rates on gasoline and diesel recovery taxes agreed upon between the ruling and opposition parties, as well as income tax reductions achieved in the 25th fiscal year, totaling 50,000 yen to support families.

On the other hand, in terms of investment in strategic areas, a shipbuilding industry revitalization roadmap will be formulated, implementing a total public and private investment of 1 trillion yen. In addition to focusing on supporting large-scale capital investments for the mass production of advanced semiconductors that meet global demand, the company will also develop surrounding infrastructure such as power needed for data center locations.

In terms of medical and care support, a new loan system will be established to improve the management of private hospitals hit by soaring prices.

Additionally, the newspaper highlighted that on the 14th, the Chinese Foreign Ministry warned Chinese citizens not to travel to Japan temporarily. In response to Prime Minister Kishida's reply to the Diet regarding the emergency status in the Taiwan region, he claimed that "there is a serious risk to the safety of the Chinese people."

The notice issued by the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated, "This year, Japan's security has been unstable, and crimes against Chinese people have occurred frequently." It also urged caution for Chinese people living in Japan.

In response to the notice, six major Chinese airlines announced on the 15th that tickets for Japanese routes that meet the conditions before December 31 will be free to handle changes and refunds.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Kiuchi said on the 15th during a visit to Niigata City, "This is inconsistent with Japan's understanding and also inconsistent with the direction of promoting strategic mutual benefit and establishing a constructive stable relationship confirmed between leaders." On the 15th, Director General of the Asia-Pacific Bureau of the Japanese Foreign Ministry, Masahiro Kanai, requested the Chinese embassy in Japan to take appropriate measures.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1848916736986252/

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