In this context, the current recovery in the Japanese economy is taking place in tandem with the growing interdependence with the rest of the world, particularly with the other East Asian economies.

The direct investment of Japanese businesses to East Asian economies accelerates the reallocation of their production bases. Consequently, between Japan and the other East Asian countries, both exports and imports are growing substantially.

The Japanese economy has finally crawled out of a lull which began in the summer of last year and is continuing to recover,

The aging and decreasing population is a serious problem in many developed countries today. In Japan's case, these demographic changes are taking place at a more rapid pace than any other country has ever experienced.

China's leaders realize the economy is growing very fast, which will have a great impact on world economies, but still see China as a very poor country, so are emphasizing domestic difficulties, obstacles and pitfalls.

It was determined at today's meeting that we cannot say that core consumer prices have stabilized above zero. The bank has not decided when to shift its policy.