Investment for energy-saving and disaster prevention as well as pent-up demand for maintenance and replacement of business equipment seem to be emerging (Chart 18). Business fixed investment is expected to  8  BIS central bankers’ speeches  increase moderately as shown by firms’ business fixed investment plans in the June 2013 Tankan (Short-Term Economic Survey on Enterprises in Japan).
Although there are disparities among demand components, they have shown some positive developments, and in this situation Japan’s economy has become increasingly robust – albeit gradually. In these circumstances, the employment and income situation, which had lagged behind other demand components, is expected to improve gradually. B.