Japan party leaders clash over consumption tax in debate ahead of election

TOKYO - Leaders of the ruling and opposition parties clashed Monday over issues ranging from consumption tax and diplomacy to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's decision to dissolve the House of Representatives for a snap general election next month.

At a seven-way debate held the day before the start of official campaigning for the Feb. 8 general election, Takaichi, who heads the Liberal Democratic Party, touched on a key topic of great public interest, saying she hopes to realize a two-year exemption of food products from consumption tax "as soon as possible."