Latest news with #AsoTaro
NHK
29-05-2025
- Business
- NHK
LDP lawmakers to propose abolishing tax-free shopping for overseas visitors
A group of lawmakers from Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party says it has come up with a proposal that includes abolishing, in principle, the tax-free shopping system for foreign visitors. Under the current system, eligible foreign tourists can purchase items at duty-free shops in Japan without paying consumption tax. But it is pointed out that there have been many cases where visitors are buying a large amount of duty-free items and reselling them to gain illegal profits. An LDP study group initiated by Supreme advisor Aso Taro basically approved the draft plan on Thursday calling for the abolition of the tax exemption system. The draft is raising doubts about whether the government can gain the public's understanding for supporting sales of luxury brand items to foreign tourists through the tax system. But the group also notes that regional development needs to be supported. It calls for preferential measures for duty-free shops at regional airports and ports that sell specialty products such as sake to overseas visitors who have completed their departure procedures. The group says it will submit its proposal to the LDP's Research Commission on the Tax System for discussions on tax reform in fiscal 2026.
NHK
18-05-2025
- Politics
- NHK
Pope Leo XIV celebrates inaugural Mass at Vatican
Pope Leo XIV has celebrated his inaugural Mass at the Vatican with delegations from about 150 countries and territories taking part. The Vatican says more than 150,000 Catholics and other people from around the world gathered at St Peter's Square on Sunday. They cheered the newly elected Pontiff as he rode into the square in his popemobile. Pope Leo went to the basement of St Peter's Basilica to visit the grave of St Peter, the apostle who became the first pope. He received the fisherman's ring that symbolizes his papal authority. The Vatican says delegations from more than 150 nations and territories and international organizations were at the Mass. The guests included Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US Vice President JD Vance. Former Japanese Prime Minister Aso Taro also attended. Pope Leo has been calling for the peaceful resolution of conflicts in Ukraine, the Gaza Strip and other regions. He said, "In this our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice." He expressed his resolve to contribute to global peace, saying, "For our part, we want to be a small leaven of unity, communion and fraternity within the world." The Pope has also indicated his willingness to mediate negotiations between warring parties.
NHK
16-05-2025
- Politics
- NHK
Former Japan PM Aso to attend Pope Leo XIV's inauguration mass
Former Japanese Prime Minister Aso Taro will attend a mass celebrating the inauguration of the newly elected leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, at the Vatican on Sunday. Aso departed from Tokyo's Haneda Airport on Friday. The government decided at a Cabinet meeting earlier in the day to dispatch Aso, who is a Christian, as Japan's special ambassador. Aso currently serves as the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's supreme advisor. He will attend Pope Leo's inauguration mass at St. Peter's Square alongside dignitaries and representatives of various countries and organizations.
