2026 POLLS: Team Mirai Prioritizes Lowering Social Security Premiums

Tokyo, Feb. 5 (Jiji Press)–Team Mirai leader Takahiro Anno has said the small party prioritizes lowering social security premiums over cutting the consumption tax rate, in order to ease the burden on future generations. Regarding Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s decision to dissolve the House of Representatives for Sunday’s general election, Anno said in a recent interview with Jiji Press that he understands Takaichi’s aim to ask voters if they trust her leadership. However, Anno questioned the timing of the election, noting that people are busy ahead of the fiscal year-end and that Diet deliberations on the government’s budget bill will be delayed. During the current campaign, his party is receiving a different public response than during the campaign for last year’s House of Councillors election, according to Anno. “People in a wide range of age groups are aware of our party,” he said. “Especially, we are receiving support from parents in their 30s to 40s.” When asked about a consumption tax cut, Anno said it should not happen under the current circumstances. “We should tackle social security premiums first,” he added. In light of the yen’s weakening and a rise in government bond yields since last year’s Upper House election, Anno said, “It’s surprising that almost all parties are backing consumption tax cuts.” Anno viewed the recent establishment of the Centrist Reform Alliance party as “a move aiming to realize a two-party system.” “I think a moderate multiparty system would better fit the current situation in Japan,” he said. “We have different opinions, but we want to collaborate where we can.” In the upcoming Lower House election, Anno said that his party aims to win at least five seats. He added that the party also hopes to participate in a national panel on tax and social insurance reforms. As for the future of the party, Anno stressed, “I want to expand our presence so that we can submit a bill by the end of my term (in 2031).” “We will directly propose digital democracy in the Diet,” Anno said. “We are the world’s first ‘artificial intelligence native’ political party, and we will explore how a political party should be run in the new era, with the hope of becoming a global role model.” END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]