Japan
Japan central bank keeps dismal view on economy
Japan's central bank kept its bleak view of the economy unchanged for the fourth-straight month in a report Monday that said growth was hampered by weak domestic consumption and volatile exports.
Is Japan ready to reflate?
ARTICLE - When the Japanese prime minister says he wants a "deflation fighter" at the Bank of Japan, he may not be referring to monetary policy at all. This article says the Japanese consensus view - one shared by Mr Koizumi and Masaru Hayami, the BoJ's…
Bank of Japan Press Release
PRESS RELEASE - Announcement of the Monetary Policy Meeting decisions (unchanged), 14 February.
'Mr Yen' expects new intervention tactic by Japan
Japanese authorities, whose surprise currency intervention last month has largely stabilised the yen, will likely try a new trick when they step into the market again, a noted intervention guru said on Friday.
Japan's central bank maintains monetary policy
Japan's central bank kept its monetary policy unchanged Friday but said it was prepared to provide extra cash to maintain stability in the financial markets.
Fed's Ferguson: Oil prices not major econ threat
Japan's ongoing economic troubles have taught policymakers to use monetary policy aggressively in the face of challenges to growth, Federal Reserve Vice-Chairman Roger Ferguson said Wednesday.
BOJ to avoid Hayami appearing as lame duck
The appointment of a new Bank of Japan governor may not come until after the Group of Seven meeting 21-22 February in Paris, Japan's chief government spokesman said Monday.
Koizumi puts off BOJ chief choice
The government has postponed the selection of the next Bank of Japan governor, fuelling speculation the prime minister has not found a ``deflation fighter'' who can rescue the economy.
Bank of Japan Press Release
PRESS RELEASE - Framework for Improving the Network Infrastructure of the BOJ-NET, 10 February.
Koizumi offers no clues on BOJ choice
Japan's prime minister Koizumi kept his cards close to his chest on the looming choice for next BOJ governor, reiterating in Parliament he wants an "aggressive deflation-fighter" and a "respected and excellent person."
Ex-BOJ Matsushima: need broad, combined policy
ARTICLE - Japan will succeed in ridding its economy of deflation only when the government and the Bank of Japan implement a coordinated, broad-based policy, according to an ex-BOJ senior official.
Kikuo Iwata: BOJ needs inflation target
INTERVIEW - The Bank of Japan should set a mild inflation target to defeat deflation, says Kikuo Iwata, a Gakushuin University professor, who believes that unless deflation is stopped, there can be no business revival nor fiscal reform.
Koizumi to name new BOJ chief around 20 Feb
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said on Monday he will name a new central bank governor at around 20 February.
Eisuke Sakakibara: Why inflation targets wont work
INTERVIEW - Those who advocate inflation targets have not presented any convincing scenarios of how inflation targeting would cause the prices of goods and services to increase. Setting an inflation target without laying out such a scenario would be…
Japan's Koizumi: Economic reforms need more time
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi insisted Friday there would be no financial crisis in the world's second-largest economy, promising tax cuts and pleading for time for reforms to work. He also said his Cabinet and the central bank were working…
Mizoguchi says Japan shares Fed view on US economy
Japan's top financial diplomat, Zembei Mizoguchi, said on Thursday that Japan shares the Federal Reserve's view on the U.S. economy, but said he had no comment on short-term moves in the forex market.
Inflation target may harm economy, says Koizumi
Junichiro Koizumi, Japan's prime minister, on Wednesday appeared to back away from recent suggestions that he will appoint an inflation hawk at the Bank of Japan, saying an inflation target could harm the economy.
Minutes of Japan's Monetary Policy Meeting
MINUTES - Minutes of the Bank of Japan's Monetary Policy Meeting on 16 and 17 December 2002, released 27 January. Japan's Ministry of Finance pressured the BOJ to increase its monthly purchases of government bonds to two trillion yen ($16.97 billion)…
Japan's Shiokawa, Hayami disagree over yen policy
Japan's finance minister and its central bank chief clashed over exchange rate policy on Tuesday, with Finance Minister Masajuro Shiokawa supporting a weaker yen.
The next BOJ governor
ARTICLE - The article sets out some of the qualities the next governor of the Bank of Japan must have and says he should be selected with an eye to the future. But the door should be left open to all qualified persons, including ex-bureaucrats as well as…
Interview with Nobuyuki Nakahara
INTERVIEW - Currently an adviser to Japan's Financial Services Agency Nobuyuki Nakahara is a favourite to land the job of governor of the Bank of Japan in March. In the interview he said the introduction of a 1-3 per cent inflation target would serve as…
Koizumi moves away from inflation target idea
More LDP members oppose plans to have the Bank of Japan set price-increase goals. Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi is shying away from promoting inflation targets to fight falling prices amid rising calls from within the ruling party for Japan…
Bank of Japan Monthly Report, January 2003
REPORT - The Bank of Japan published its Monthly Report of Recent Economic and Financial Developments, January 2003, on 24 January. In its report the Bank maintained its assessment of the economy for the second straight month but warned of risks from…
Hayami, Japan's inflation target a reckless gamble
Japan's central bank governor Masaru Hayami said Friday the setting of an inflation target for Japan in an attempt to stop the long slide in prices would be a "reckless gamble". The comment comes at a time when the BOJ has faced pressure from some…