Kishida, who has vowed to rectify wealth disparities, had previously said reviewing those taxes would be an option in addressing income gaps.
Kishida took the top job in the world’s third-largest economy on Monday, replacing Yoshihide Suga, who had seen his support undermined by surging Covid-19 infections.
“I have no plan to touch the financial income tax for the time being … There are many other things to tackle first,” Kishida told a news programme on commercial broadcaster Fuji Television Network.
“Misunderstanding is spreading that I may do it soon. That will give unnecessary worry to people concerned if not dispelled firmly.”
Some investors have expressed concern that the new premier may press ahead with capital-gains tax hikes, signalling a turnaround from investor friendly economic policies pursued by Japan’s longest-serving premier Shinzo Abe from 2013 to 2020.
Japan’s benchmark Nikkei average has declined 7 percent since Kishida won the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) leadership election late last month, practically securing the post of premier by virtue of the LDP’s parliamentary majority. (Reuters)