S/ Ishiba Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan: “I would like to once again offer my sincere apologies for my own gift certificate distribution issue. I have reflected deeply on this and have renewed my determination to sincerely face the thoughts of the people.  

Regarding new measures to combat rising prices, he announced the continuation of subsidies to maintain gasoline prices at approximately 185yen per liter.   

Ishiba also highlighted plans to release government stockpiles of rice to stabilize  soaring prices, saying that the government would take further action without hesitation if necessary.  

Additionally, he expressed intentions to compile effective strategies for raising the minimum wage by May.  

On the topic of a reduced consumption tax limited to food items,　Ishiba rejected the idea, saying that the consumption tax serves as a crucial source of funding for the all-generation social security benefits.  

In response to the additional tariffs expected to be imposed by the U.S. government as early as Aril 3, Japan has announced measures including the establishment of 1,000 special consultation offices nationwide and the enhancement of financial support.  

Prime Minister Ishiba intends to strongly urge the U.S. government that Japan be fully exempted from the additional tariffs.