Tuesday, April 17, 2012

By CHARLES LEWIS

Takashi Kobayashi
Transport worker, 31 (Japanese)
I think the sales tax will have to be raised in the future, but I doubt if now is a good time to do it. If they hike the tax, it would make life harder for me.

Shiho
Housewife, 40s (Japanese)
The government hasn't given a clear reason as to why they have to raise the tax and how they will use the cash. If goods go up 5 percent, it will directly affect our lives.

Jorge
Engineer, 30 (Mexican)
I wouldn't approve of the increase in normal circumstances, but because the government needs the money for the reconstruction of Tohoku, I can go along with it.

Curtis Bryant
Civil servant, 43 (American)
I disagree with an increase in the sales tax because things are expensive already and this will only make it worse. Also, people will have less disposable income.

Yoshiko
Housewife, 30s (Japanese)
I disagree with the proposed tax hike. It would have a big impact on our daily lives. I have children and my household budget would be stretched.

Mark Goold
Surveyor, 54 (British)
I would approve of the tax increase to 10 percent if the cash raised went towards funding the reconstruction effort after the tsunami.

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