Ms Takaichi supports a revival of Abenomics, named after her late predecessor Shinzo Abe, a programme of heavy government spending to drive away persistent deflation. But she is hemmed in by Japan’s public debt – 240 per cent of GDP – and by rising spending on welfare and defence.

By Makiko Yamazaki TOKYO, Jan 22 (Reuters) - Japan's plan to return to a primary budget surplus for the first time in decades has been pushed back again, as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi presses ahead with what she calls a "proactive" fiscal policy.

The move by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is an attempt to capitalize on her popularity to help her governing party regain ground after major losses in recent years.

Core inflation touched its lowest level since October 2024, and was in line with expectations

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is moving to impose a total ban on political fundraisers by ministers, a source familiar with