Japan’s Cabinet is expected to approve a Tax Reform Outline on the 15th proposing a temporary reduction in the consumption tax on food and beverages from 8% to 1% for two years beginning in April 2027. The outline would underpin legislation for the extraordinary Diet session convened in October, while the Japan Foodservice Association warns that keeping dine-in purchases at 10% could reduce restaurant demand. The draft includes support for agriculture, forestry and fishery workers, restaurant-industry assistance and income-linked benefits, but funding remains unresolved. The association is seeking restaurant meal vouchers, the reduced rate for dine-in consumption and permission to display pre-tax prices and tax amounts separately.