The Japanese government to raise VAT

The Japanese government raises the VAT from 5 to 8 percent from 1 April. It is the first time, since 1997, that the VAT will increase in Japan. The measure aims to balance the budget and to reduce the huge state debt.

After the VAT increase in 1997 an economic recession occured, but experts say that the circumstances are different now, and even if economic growth is slowing down, it will not completely stop. (tozsdeforum, MTI)