"I Will Take 10 Million Won Less Per Month"... Japan's Takaichi Pushes for Prime Minister's Salary Cut—Here's Why

According to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun (The Nikkei), Sanae Takaichi, the Prime Minister of Japan, has decided to reduce her official salary by 1.15 million yen (approximately 10.7 million won) per month.
Local media, including The Nikkei, reported that this decision is in line with the Japan Innovation Party’s policy of 'self-sacrificing reform,' which is being promoted by its coalition partner.

According to reports, Prime Minister Takaichi previously stated during her inaugural press conference on the 21st of last month that, in order to share the burden of rising prices with the public, she would push for legal revisions to ensure that the salaries of the prime minister and cabinet ministers do not exceed those of members of parliament.
The Nikkei noted that Japanese lawmakers currently receive a monthly salary of 1.294 million yen (about 12.02 million won). In addition, the prime minister, who also serves in the executive branch, receives an extra 1.152 million yen (about 10.7 million won) per month, while cabinet ministers receive an additional 499,000 yen (about 4.64 million won). Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara explained that the exact amount of the reduction will be determined through detailed review during the legislative process.

Since its predecessor, the Osaka Restoration Association, the Japan Innovation Party has made salary cuts for lawmakers and reducing the number of seats in parliament a core part of its reform agenda. The Nikkei analyzed that Prime Minister Takaichi’s latest move aims to strengthen trust with the Japan Innovation Party.

hsg@fnnews.com Han Seung-gon Reporter