Japanese authorities have been pretty consistent in dismissing a sales tax hike as an option, but perhaps the ushering in of a new PM might bring a change?
Aso floats the idea - says it would be one option in spending and revenue reform.
Meanwhile Japan's chief cabinet secretary Suga, currently seen as the front-runner to become Prime Minister says he believes in prioritising economic revitalisation - says fixing fiscal health is impossible otherwise.
Suga adds a consumption tax hike is not needed for the next 10 years. Mixed signals.
