Japan's cash registers or its fiscal policy: which is more embarrassing?

PM Takaichi's frustration with tax change challenges misses bigger problems

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent meets with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during his visit to Japan on Tuesday. (Photo by Ken Suzuki)

TOKYO -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's harsh comments about the logistical hurdles to her plan to freeze the consumption tax on food highlight an embarrassing issue for the country, but not the one she thinks.