Tokyo: In order to boost the economy, the government in Japan has started a campaign to encourage the younger generation to consume more alcohol.
According to British media, the younger generation in Japan is less interested in drinking than their parents, which is causing the Japanese tax authorities to lose tax revenue from alcohol sales.
In view of this situation, Japan’s National Tax Agency has announced a national competition (Sake Viva), in which citizens are asked to suggest new ways to change the declining trend of alcohol consumption among young people.
The competition asks people aged 20 to 39 to share their business ideas that could increase demand for wine. The tax agency says youth can send their ideas to the department by September next month.
The tax authorities have expressed hope that “Sake Viva!” The campaign will help make drinking more attractive and promote the industry.
According to the latest figures from the Tax Agency, an adult in the country consumed an average of 100 liters (22 gallons) of alcohol annually in 1995, which has risen to 75 liters (16 gallons) in 2020.
The Japanese government’s alcohol tax revenue has also declined over the years. According to the Japan Times newspaper, in 1980, the tax revenue from the alcohol industry was 5 percent of the total tax revenue, which is only 1.7 percent in 2020.
On the other hand, the campaign launched by the government is also facing criticism, citizens say that the government is trying to promote unhealthy habits.
