Japan approves a new package worth about US$3 billion to help households with energy and utility costs. The support is scheduled to cover bills for three months starting in July, according to reports. The measure comes shortly after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announces a separate supplementary budget of about US$19 billion aimed at easing pressure from rising living costs. The two announcements are presented as part of Japan’s broader effort to mitigate the impact of higher energy prices on households. Under the smaller, targeted programme, the government focuses specifically on utility payments over a defined three-month period, rather than introducing longer-term subsidies. The timing of the approval—reported as coming a day after the prime minister’s supplementary budget statement—suggests the energy-bill support is closely linked to the wider fiscal response. Together, the initiatives reflect the government’s attempt to provide near-term financial relief while pursuing additional budgetary measures to address cost-of-living concerns.