S/ Takaichi Sanae, Japanese Prime Minister / At this G7 summit, which I attended as a member from Asia, I made three proposals on energy security, particularly toward stability of the crude oil market. In the outcome document of the Evian Summit, the G7 was able to send a clear and united message on energy security to the world. As the G7, we will cooperate on the joint stockpiling of critical minerals. I also proposed this initiative and gained support, and it was included in the outcome document.

Takaichi also said nothing has been decided regarding the deployment of the Self-Defense Forces to ensure safety in the Strait of Hormuz following the agreement between the United States and Iran to end hostilities.

She said it is necessary to carefully assess the agreement and the actual situation on the ground.

On the domestic front, the Japanese leader said she will closely monitor developments surrounding a proposal presented by the chairperson of the National Council on Social Security to reduce the consumption tax on food and beverages to zero for two years starting April 2027.

S/ Takaichi Sanae, Japanese Prime Minister / I believe it is important to ensure both speed and sufficiency, both promptness and sufficient measures. I will continue to closely watch the discussions as they move toward a final conclusion.

The remarks indicate that she places importance on implementing tax cuts at an early time while maintaining consistency with her Liberal Democratic Party's campaign pledges.

As for reducing the number of seats in the House of Representatives, Takaichi reiterated her commitment, saying she wants to sincerely implement the measures agreed upon in the coalition agreement with the Japan Innovation Party and those set out in the campaign pledges.