Japan Launches Initiative to Enhance Government Efficiency

According to Odaily, on December 2, the Japanese government initiated its version of the 'Department of Government Efficiency' (DOGE) with a plan to identify and eliminate inefficient tax measures and subsidies during its inaugural meeting. Following the first DOGE meeting, Finance Minister Katsuyuki Katayama told reporters on Tuesday that efforts to eliminate waste and redirect funds to areas of genuine need will set this administration apart from previous ones. He emphasized that maintaining trust in the nation, its currency, and the market is crucial. Katayama also noted that there is no disagreement between the government and the Bank of Japan regarding economic assessments, following Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda's expression of confidence in the economic outlook and hints at a possible interest rate hike. Japan's Economic Growth Strategy Minister Minoru Kiuchi echoed these comments, indicating a coordinated cabinet response aimed at conveying a unified message of support.