TOKYO - Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Sunday she aims to begin implementing a two-year suspension of the 8 percent consumption tax on food and beverage items within fiscal 2026, starting in April.

"My idea is that the two-year (break on food tax) would bridge the period until a refundable tax credit system is designed and implemented," she said during a TV program. Reducing the tax rate has become a major point of debate in the lower house election on Feb. 8.

Related coverage:
Japan PM Takaichi dissolves lower house for Feb. 8 election to seek mandate
Japan's ruling LDP eyeing no consumption tax on food as election looms
Japan PM mulls to include zero food tax proposal for election pledge