Japan
Koizumi's timidity
ARTICLE - A Leader column in the Financial Times argues that Fukui's appointment shows "a lack of courage" from prime minister Junichiro Koizumi with Fukui having the "weakest punch" against falling prices.
Shiokawa to press new BOJ gov to relax mon policy
Finance Minister Masajuro Shiokawa is set to ask Bank of Japan (BOJ) Governor designate Toshihiko Fukui to further relax the central bank's monetary policy.
Japan warns on deflation at G7 meeting in Paris
With Japan continuing to suffer the effects of deflation, finance minister Shiokawa has warned that increased threats of war may make the prospect of deflation more serious for the world.
Fukui appointed BoJ governor
Toshihiko Fukui was today nominated to replace Masaru Hayami as governor of the Bank of Japan. Prime Minister Koizumi's decision to appoint a conservative figure like Fukui has already been criticised for showing a lack of commitment to tackle deflation.
Choosing the new Bank of Japan governor
ARTICLE - Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi is due to announce by the end of this month his choice for governor of the Bank of Japan, the central bank of the world's second-largest economy. He will also pick two deputy governors. The article…
Japan's Ito repeats call for BOJ inflation target
An academic linked to the race for top spot at Japan's central bank reiterated on Thursday his view that the bank should adopt a controversial policy targeting inflation to reverse Japan's steadily falling prices.
Yamaguchi says Bank of Japan is doing all it can
The most expectant of silences greeted Yutaka Yamaguchi, the deputy governor of the Bank of Japan. But the outlook from the bank veteran of 40 years was gloomy: the bank is doing all it can, it is time for others to pull their weight. CentralBankNet…
Minutes of Japan's Monetary Policy Meeting
MINUTES - Minutes of the Bank of Japan's Monetary Policy Meeting on 21 and 22 January 2003, released 19 February. One member pointed out that inflation targeting had never been adopted for the purpose of overcoming deflation by any central bank overseas,…
BOJ said inflation needs fiscal, FX moves- minutes
Bank of Japan Policy Board members said in their January 21-22 meeting that boosting prices in the short term would require large-scale fiscal spending or manipulation of foreign exchange rates, minutes showed on Wednesday.
Bank of Japan Monthly Report, February 2003
REPORT - The Bank of Japan published its Monthly Report of Recent Economic and Financial Developments, February 2003, on 18 February. "Economic activity remains flat amid substantial uncertainty about the outlook for the economy," the report said. One…
Japan PM nearing decision on central bank chief
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi is near a decision on a successor for outgoing Bank of Japan (BOJ) Governor Masaru Hayami, whose five-year term ends 19 March, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda indicated Tuesday.
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.