PM Abe adviser Etsuro Honda with comments reported by Bloomberg 20 May 2016

  • sales tax increase planned for April 2017 should be postponed until the economy completely escapes deflation
  • Japan's economy is still weak
  • an economic package can't offset impact of sales=tax hike

His comments come in the wake of those made by LDP senior figure Yamamoto who recommended that sales tax hike should go ahead as planned.

Honda has been vocal on many occasions previously in opposition to the hike whie Abe this week said:

  • wants appropriate decision on sales tax hike after hearing from specialist's opinion on economic situation

The will they/won't they debate continues.

Meanwhile USDJPY 110.09 with Nikkei currently +0.45% at 126720.90