In an interview with NHK regarding the possible consumption tax increase, Akira Amari, the Minister for Economic Revitalization, stated that he believes “it [the decision] will come before the APEC summit meeting at the latest.” The APEC summit is scheduled to begin on October 7.

Amari has previously said that the hike in consumption tax should move ahead according to the plan as long as there is no major external shock to the system.