Today, it is my great pleasure to be back here after a long while. I recall fond memories of my youth, such as the brightness of the Nichinan coast and the beautiful fields of mustard flowers.
Over the years, I have consistently emphasized from an academic viewpoint that the biggest challenge for Japan’s economy is to overcome deflation at the earliest possible time and that the role of monetary policy is crucial. It is for this reason that I accepted the post of deputy governor last March.