Analysis-Japanese PM Takaichi’s campaign to shed reflationist image needs substance behind the speeches

By Leika Kihara and Makiko Yamazaki TOKYO, Oct 8 (Reuters) Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi s administration is ramping up efforts to shed its growth and easy money image through changes in rhetoric, a move that may backfire unless it is met with action such as substantial cuts to spending. With major economies facing increased scrutiny from bond investors worried about rising inflation and yields, a lack of clarity on ​funding could cause another bond selloff in Japan given its $7 trillion debt pile that is the biggest among advanced nations. Takaichi vowed to cap ‌new debt issuance around 40 trillion yen ($253 billion), even as spending requests for next year s budget hit a record 143 trillion yen. A planned two-year sales tax cut would also cost roughly 4 trillion yen per year. The government hopes to fill the gap by tapping rising tax revenues and state funds, a tricky task that would still pump money and inflationary pressures into the economy, analysts say. Markets look