- Monetary Policy
- Real Wages
- Ride-hailing Services in Japan
- LDP Ethics Committee
- Japan—U.S. Summit
- Eastern Taiwan Earthquake
- Kobayashi Pharmaceutical
Monetary Policy
(In response to a question about the Bank of Japan's recent short-term interest rate hike) In moving to end its monetary policy of large-scale easing, the Bank of Japan has taken pains to avoid causing market turmoil, and as a result, stock prices and exchange rates do not appear to have been hit too hard. Regarding further rate hikes going forward, the BoJ will presumably act in a timely manner after carefully weighing whether its demand-pull inflation target of 2% for price stability has been achieved. Although it is unlikely to raise interest rateカジノシークレット キャッシュバック 上限harply in the near term, given the current gap between its policy interest rate and the neutral rate of interest, the BoJ will probably chart a course of gradual monetary tightening. I respect the BoJ's judgment and want to watch and see how effectively its rate decisions work.
(カジノシークレット キャッシュバック 上限sponse to a question about the excessively weak yen regime sustained by the BoJ's loose monetary policies and accommodative financial conditions) Exchange rates reflect a country's economic fundamentals. In that light, the current rate of over 150 yen to the US dollar does not seem appropriate given the real strength of the Japanese economy. Indeed, I think it safe to say the depreciation in the yen has gone too far. Although speculative trades may factor behind volatility in the yen rate through the near term, over the medium and longer term, I think it will eventually self-correct to an appropriate level.
Real Wages
(In response to a question about the 23rd straight month of decline in real wages marked by the 1.3 percent year-on-year drop in February [as reported in the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's monthly labor statisticカジノシークレット キャッシュバック 上限urvey]) Labor—management wage negotiations thiカジノシークレット キャッシュバック 上限pring have yielded wage increases that are better than expected and significantly higher than the gains posted last year. We need to sustain and strengthen this upward wage momentum into next year and beyond, and achieve a virtuous cycle between wages and prices, together with structural wage increases. To that end, it will be essential to quell the recent cost-push surge in price inflation and stabilize prices around a more appropriate demand-pull inflation level of 2 percent. Motivated largely by efforts to recover and improve their productivity, most companies can be expected to continue implementing wage hikes that outstrip the level of inflation. I want the government and BoJ to implement and manage policies that are accordingly supportive of this trend. We anticipate that this effort in public—private coordination will eventually bear fruit and lead to a statistical increase in real wages.
Ride-hailing Services in Japan
(In response to a question about expectations and challenges for the new ride-hailing services Japan launched in April 2024) Transportation service shortages have affected many depopulated rural communities across Japan, as well as communities that depend on tourism. Some districts in these areas are currently dealing with seriouカジノシークレット キャッシュバック 上限hortages of taxi services. However, concerns have been raised about the government abruptly easing regulations and implementing a full-scale nationwide service framework that mirrors those overseas. In that light, the government deserves credit for placing emphasis on security and safety and choosing an approach that will implement this framework in phases, starting in districts that need it the most, while lending an open ear to the diversity of opinions on this matter. I want the government to capitalize on the lessons learned while managing this new service structure and pursue adequate levels of discussion and debate with an eye to further developing the legal framework.
LDP Ethics Committee
(In response to a question regarding the chairman's assessment of action taken by the LDP Ethics Committee on April 4 to punish 39 scandal-tainted LDP members) I feel the LDP haカジノシークレット キャッシュバック 上限hown a measure of resolve toward drawing the line by holding the party members involved in thiカジノシークレット キャッシュバック 上限candal politically accountable and meting out severe punishments that include recommendations to leave the party. Looking ahead, I want the LDP to take steps to strengthen its own governance and engage with the opposition parties in full deliberations aimed at enacting political reforms, including revisions to the Political Funds Control Act.
(カジノシークレット キャッシュバック 上限sponse to questions about the lack of punitive actions against Prime Minister Kishida as the LDP's current president) I think steps to reinforce the LDP's governance and enact political reforms are specifically responsibilities the party's president himself should shoulder.
Japan—U.S. Summit
(In response to a question regarding the chairman's expectations toward the Japan—U.S. summit meeting on April 10) This is a highly significant development, as it will be the first state visit to the U.S. in nine years for a summit meeting by a sitting Japanese prime minister. Through summit dialogue, it is essential that Japan strives to deepen itカジノシークレット キャッシュバック 上限trong ties of mutual trust with the U.S. as its only ally.
In his address before a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress, Prime Minister Kishida is likely to underline the importance not only of strengthening the Japan—U.S. alliance, but also of the global roles that both nationカジノシークレット キャッシュバック 上限hould fulfill. Moreover, given that a trilateral summit session with the participation of the Philippines is also planned, I believe Prime Minister Kishida will make his visit to the U.S. with the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region squarely in mind.
Through their candid dialogue, I want our leaders to reaffirm to the world that the footing of the Japan—U.S. alliance is as rock-solid as ever. The prime minister's visit to the U.S. will also afford an opportunity to show the international community the forward-looking trajectory of Japan—U.S. relations through the years ahead. In our now increasingly polarized world, I am deeply hopeful that thiカジノシークレット キャッシュバック 上限ummit dialogue will send a clear message of the promise that Japan and the U.S. hold for the younger generations, as well as chart a firm course for a strengthened Japan—U.S. partnership and the demonstration of leadership.
Eastern Taiwan Earthquake
(カジノシークレット キャッシュバック 上限sponse to a question regarding the chairman's perspective on the earthquake that hit the eastern coast of Taiwan on April 3, and prospects for assistance from Japan's business community) First, let me offer my prayers for those whose lives were lost as a result of the Taiwan earthquake, and my sincere condolences to everyone affected by this catastrophe. Tectonic plate movements have caused a series of earthquakes in Japan and abroad since the earthquake that hit Japan's Noto Peninsula in early 2024. These events have painfully reminded us of the absolute necessity of being adequately prepared for natural disasters.
When the Noto earthquake struck, government and private channels in Taiwan were among the earliest to extend assistance. We are deeply grateful for that and bow our heads in admiration. The Japanese government has already pledged to provide Taiwan with financial assistance, and full-scale measures in support from our private sector also can be expected soon. Japan considers Taiwan an important partner with whom we share fundamental values. It is thus important that we extend a mutual hand in times of dire need.
Kobayashi Pharmaceutical
(カジノシークレット キャッシュバック 上限sponse to a question seeking the chairman's perspective on reports that the Consumer Affairs Agency will begin studying revisions to the nation's functional food labeling regulations カジノシークレット キャッシュバック 上限sponse to cases of illness and death caused by a Kobayashi Pharmaceutical health supplement containing beni-koji, a species of red mold) The manufacturing processes in Japan for products labeled as functional foods are not regulated like those for pharmaceuticals. However, if problems arise due to these processes, naturally someone will call for revisions aimed at addressing them.
(In response to a question regarding whether steps in the deregulation of functional food labeling, as requested by Keidanren, amount to putting business first, at the expense of consumer safety) In formulating our requests for regulatory reforms, giving business priority over consumer safety has never been in mind. If a problem arises under a new regulatory framework, then revisionカジノシークレット キャッシュバック 上限hould be promptly implemented to deal with the issue. If the problem iカジノシークレット キャッシュバック 上限omething that poses hazards to human health, then there will be calls for more careful and stringent measures in regulation aimed at dealing with the source of the problem at hand. We should listen to those who call for such action.