Japan's PM calls for precise measures to combat surging prices

The government will take "even more precise measures" to address goods that are seeing price surges, Kishida said at the opening meeting of a government taskforce to respond to price rises and boost wages.

TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida called on Tuesday for fresh targeted measures that could help households and businesses withstand some of the pain from surging prices, such as rising electricity costs.

The move comes as a weak yen and higher raw material costs have put pressure on households, retailers and the agricultural sector, creating a headache for ruling party politicians facing an upper house election next month.