Consumption tax, inflation top X posts regarding general election

TOKYO - Consumption tax and inflation dominate social media X posts mentioning Japan's upcoming general election, an analysis found Wednesday, underscoring that the cut in sales tax on food items as advocated by major parties continues to draw attention online as households struggle with rising living costs.

The number of posts on the topic totaled 649,000 during the 12-day period from Jan. 23, when the House of Representatives was dissolved for an election on Sunday, particularly surging after speculation was fueled that a tax hike was possible if the ruling Liberal Democratic Party wins.