New Media 'NoBorder News' Tackling Terrestrial Broadcast Taboos Releases Latest Episode

NoBorder Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director: Yuji Mizoguchi), which operates the new media 'NoBorder' that tackles terrestrial broadcast taboos, announces the release of NoBorder News #44, titled "Opposition from Ruling and Opposition Parties! Is Prime Minister Takaichi's Pet Project 'Effective Zero% Consumption Tax' a Light for Japan's Revival or a Foolish Policy?", on July 6, 2026.

This episode of NoBorder News focused on "Inflation and Consumption Tax Reduction," discussing the background of rising prices for daily necessities including food, the political and systemic challenges surrounding consumption tax reduction on food, and various approaches to tackling inflation, including tax credits with benefits and direct cash payments.

The program featured Kazuyuki Hirano, an economic commentator and Zushi City council member, and Ryuzo Hosokawa, a political journalist and former political reporter for TV Asahi. They explored the issue from two perspectives: the need for urgent support for consumers, and how to balance this with fiscal resources, system design, and long-term economic policy.

#44: "Opposition from Ruling and Opposition Parties! Is Prime Minister Takaichi's Pet Project 'Effective Zero% Consumption Tax' a Light for Japan's Revival or a Foolish Policy?"

https://youtube.com/live/Ba8BG6IYKLI

Why Does Inflation Continue? — Rising Prices and a Weak Yen Squeezing Livelihoods

The program addressed the ongoing price increases, particularly for food and beverages, that began in July.

Discussions highlighted factors pushing up living costs, such as rising prices for materials and raw ingredients, the continued depreciation of the yen, and global instability, all impacting household budgets through increased prices for everyday food items like instant noodles, canned goods, and bread.

Mr. Hirano noted that while tax revenue is at an all-time high, the burden on consumers is increasing due to the decline in real wages and pensions. He also stated that despite nominal economic growth, personal consumption is not showing strong growth, emphasizing the need to closely monitor the impact of inflation on households.

Furthermore, regarding future predictions for asset prices, exchange rates, and interest rates, he pointed out the difficulty in definitively predicting economic crises at specific times. The consensus was that economic commentators and experts should aim to present diverse perspectives and risks rather than making predictions.

Consumption Tax Reduction on Food — Will the "1% Plan" Save Livelihoods?

Regarding the consumption tax reduction on food, a measure attracting attention as a response to inflation, the program examined a proposal to lower the tax rate from 8% to 1%.

While the idea of temporarily reducing the consumption tax rate on food is expected to directly alleviate household burdens, many challenges were pointed out, including the administrative burden of system changes like cash register modifications, securing financial resources, and the impact of re-raising the tax after the system's expiration.

Mr. Hirano expressed the view that while a consumption tax reduction on food could offer some relief to households, it might not directly lead to increased personal consumption or economic growth. He suggested that for short-term reductions, other support measures like cash payments should be considered alongside the costs and complexities of system changes.

Mr. Ryoma Kobata, NoBorder Project Manager, raised the question of the significance of supporting households through tax reductions, given that food is an essential item with relatively stable demand. In response, Mr. Hirano indicated that for short-term living support, targeted cash payments might be a more prompt and effective solution.

Tax Reduction or Cash Payments? — Examining Support Measures Including Tax Credits with Benefits

In addition to the consumption tax reduction on food, the program also discussed various other inflation countermeasures, such as tax credits with benefits, direct cash payments, and income tax reductions.

Tax credits with benefits are a system where the excess of tax credits over the tax liability is paid out as a refund. While considered effective in reaching low-income households, challenges include defining the scope of eligibility, income verification, and the complexity of system design.

Mr. Hirano stressed the need to consider inflation countermeasures not just as short-term support but from a long-term perspective, balancing economic growth with fiscal reconstruction. He also suggested that a broader discussion is needed regarding the tax system itself, including the consumption tax, questioning whether to maintain the current system of broad collection by the central government and redistribution, or to revise it to include decentralization and asset taxation.

Mr. Hosokawa touched upon the discussions within the Liberal Democratic Party regarding the consumption tax reduction on food and movements within the Tax System Research Commission, explaining the influence of parliamentary operations and internal party adjustments on policy decisions, not just the content of the policies themselves.

To what extent and how should the burden on consumers be reduced? Where should the financial resources be sourced? How can short-term support be balanced with medium- to long-term economic growth? This program used the consumption tax reduction on food as a starting point to broaden the discussion to the future of Japan's tax system, social security, fiscal policy, and decentralization. NoBorder News aims to present discussion points that encourage viewers to think for themselves, rather than offering definitive conclusions on specific policies, by incorporating diverse standpoints and perspectives.

Guest Information

Kazuyuki Hirano (Economic Commentator / Zushi City Council Member) Ryuzo Hosokawa (Political Journalist / Former TV Asahi Political Reporter) Takashi Uesugi (NoBorder News Anchor) Ryoma Kobata (NoBorder Project Manager) Haruka Usui (Assistant)

Viewer Participation Project (Survey)

NoBorder is soliciting themes and opinions from viewers for future programs through its official app and YouTube comment section.

Information on the NoBorder Official App

NoBorder has launched its official app. The official app offers behind-the-scenes content and in-depth features, including:

● Off-the-record photos of cast members ● Unreleased cuts and exclusive footage

● Post-release after-talks ● Special access to previously deleted episodes

We aim to provide a more immersive experience of the NoBorder world alongside the program.

How to Access the App

The NoBorder official app can be accessed via the official LINE account. First, add the NoBorder official LINE account as a friend, and then follow the instructions within LINE to access the official app.

▼ NoBorder Official LINE https://lin.ee/rUR8U3T?openExternalBrowser=1

About the New Media 'NoBorder' Tackling Terrestrial Broadcast Taboos

'NoBorder' is a new media platform that tackles terrestrial broadcast taboos, with serial entrepreneur Yuji Mizoguchi pursuing the "outline of truth" at the risk of his life. It addresses themes that are difficult for existing media to cover by inviting commentators with diverse standpoints and expertise to engage in multifaceted discussions that do not presuppose conclusions.

Fake OR Fact——

You draw the border yourself.

◾️ Distribution Information

Program Name: NoBorder News

Episode: #44

Title: Opposition from Ruling and Opposition Parties! Is Prime Minister Takaichi's Pet Project 'Effective Zero% Consumption Tax' a Light for Japan's Revival or a Foolish Policy?

Release Date and Time: July 6, 2026, 19:00

Distribution Platform: YouTube

How to Watch: Free viewing

Viewing URL: https://youtube.com/live/Ba8BG6IYKLI

Website / Official Social Media

Official X: https://x.com/NoBorder_info

Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noborder_jp/

Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NoBorder_jp

Official TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@noborder_jp?_t=ZS-8xr4GPnWz0Z&_r=1

【Company Profile: NoBorder Inc.】

Company Name: NoBorder Inc.

Representative Director: Yuji Mizoguchi

Business Activities: Planning, production, and distribution of journalism media

Contact: [email protected]