Consumption tax rate in Japan has been raised from 8% to 10% starts today, October 1, 2019. Since the government is struggling in covering the ballooning of social security costs stemming from the country's aging population and falling birthrate, this will help cover the social security costs and pay down massive public debt.
This Tuesday morning, after all trains had ended service, the fare tables above the ticket counter were changed to reflect the new taxes. The tables themselves had already been replaced, and temporary sheets showing prices under the previous 8% tax rate were attached on top. Thirteen station staff teamed to peal off the temporary sheets at nine locations to reveal the new fares.
The new 10% taxes were applied from the morning trains on Tuesday. Long lines formed at train stations Monday as passengers rushed to buy commuter passes before the hike. "My wife told me to buy them while the rate was still 8%," said one man who took time out of his workday to line up at Tokyo's Shinjuku Station.
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