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'Suganomics'? Bet on easy wins, not grand visions

Former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe had an economic policy named after him.

‘Abenomics’ mixed structural reforms with heavy monetary and fiscal stimulus.

Now analysts wonder what to make of his successor, Yoshihide Suga, who took charge earlier this week.

"I will form a cabinet for the Japanese people, and to work for the Japanese people.”

Though he’s pledged to stick with Abe’s pro-growth strategy, some think ‘Suganomics’ could look quite different.

Former ruling party staffer Atsuo Ito says Suga will focus on small, practical goals achieved step by step.

He says the new man is not about grand visions.

Economists predict that could mean more focused moves to cut cellphone charges and raise the minimum wage.

There may also be more payouts to households to help cushion the blow from the economic downturn.

Former cabinet minister Heizo Takenaka says Suga is keen on measures to boost competition, and hates vested interests.

That could entail moves to liberalise the medical sector and consolidate weak regional banks.

There may also be attempts to break down barriers to competition between small- and medium-sized firms.

Though he isn’t widely regarded as a charismatic leader, Suga has one trump card to play in all this.

After years as Abe’s top spokesman, he's seen to have a strong grip on the country’s massive bureaucracy.

Officials who know him say that means he knows which levers to pull to get results.