片山財務大臣兼内閣府特命担当大臣臨時閣議後記者会見の概要（令和８年２月18日）：金融庁

This page summarizes the February 18, 2026 interim press conference by Finance Minister Katayama following a cabinet meeting. The minister reported accomplishments during the first Takagi administration's four months, including economic measures addressing inflation, fiscal budget passage, tax reform guidelines, and initiatives on subsidy optimization and Japan's version of CFIUS. Regarding consumption tax reduction, the minister explained the two-year freeze on food consumption tax as a temporary measure supporting low-income households until introducing tax credits. The IMF's recommendation to avoid fiscal damage through limited, time-bound measures on essentials was noted as supportive of Japan's approach.