Japan Chief Cabinet Sec Suga (leading LDP Party leadership candidate): if the pandemic worsens, govt will do whatever is necessary to protect jobs and businesses in Japan; no plans to raise sales tax for 10 years, but can't rule out future tax hikes - PM candidates debate
- If necessary I would consider topping up payouts to ease strains on the economy from the Covid pandemic- No rush to change BOJ's easing policy; must maintain 2% inflation target