CommentPM Takaichi's frustration with tax change challenges misses bigger problemsU.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent meets with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during his visit to Japan on Tuesday. (Photo by Ken Suzuki)SHIGESABURO OKUMURAMay 18, 2026 10:10 JSTTOKYO -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's harsh comments about the logistical hurdles to her plan to freeze the consumption tax on food highlight an embarrassing issue for the country, but not the one she thinks.