Editorial

14:00 JST, September 1, 2025

Because mechanisms to curb spending were weakened for the sake of countering high prices, budget requests from ministries and agencies have ballooned. Budget compilation should return to the fundamental spirit of prioritizing fiscal discipline, facing up to the nation’s severe fiscal situation.

The submission of preliminary budget requests by government ministries and agencies for fiscal 2026 has finished. The total amount is expected to exceed ¥122 trillion, a record high for the third consecutive year. This represents a significant increase from ¥114.3 trillion in fiscal 2024 and ¥117.6 trillion in fiscal 2025.

Due to rising social security costs from the graying population, the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry’s request reached ¥34.7 trillion, accounting for about 30% of the overall total. The Defense Ministry requested a record-high ¥8.8 trillion amid the challenging security........

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