Takaichi Vows to End Japan's "Austerity Era" with Major Spending Shift

A senior Japanese ruling party figure has promised a major shift in economic policy if she becomes the country's next leader. Sanae Takaichi says she will seek public approval to end what she calls an era of "excessive fiscal austerity." This means moving away from strict government spending limits. Takaichi made the statement as she campaigns to become head of the Liberal Democratic Party. The winner of the internal party election in September will almost certainly become Japan's next prime minister. Her proposal signals a potential break from recent policy. It comes ahead of a national election that must be held by October 2025. The plan would involve increased government spending to stimulate growth. Specific policy details and funding sources were not immediately provided.