In a recent national telephone survey conducted on February 14 and 15 after the parliamentary elections, 36% of respondents expressed a preference to maintain the current food consumption tax rate, which was surprising given that many parties, including the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, campaigned on a platform advocating for tax reductions. The LDP promised to accelerate discussions around making food and beverages exempt from this tax for two years; however, even among LDP supporters, 40% preferred to keep the tax rate unchanged. This disconnect raises questions about how these tax policies influenced voter behavior during the elections.

Prime Minister Takaichi, who led the LDP's successful campaign, stated during the elections that the government would accelerate discussions on not taxing food products for two years. Although several opposition parties proposed varying tax cuts, such as a flat 5% or complete elimination of the tax, the overall public support for these measures appears limited. When voters were asked whether they preferred to maintain the existing tax rate, have it set to zero for two years, or make it perpetually zero, the responses indicated a majority inclination towards maintaining the status quo among LDP voters, who favored this option at a higher rate than the general populace.

The poll results reveal a complex relationship between voter preferences and party platforms. While there was expected strong support for a proposed tax reduction by the LDP, the data suggests that many voters are hesitant or skeptical, perhaps indicating a broader sense of apprehension about the implications of such changes on public services and the economy. As the government moves forward, it will need to address these concerns to maintain voter trust and ensure sustainable fiscal policy.