Masaaki Shirakawa: Japan’s economy and innovation Speech by Mr Masaaki Shirakawa, Governor of the Bank of Japan, at the Japan National Press Club, Tokyo, 31 May 2010. *  *  *  Introduction It is a great honor for me to have the opportunity to speak to you today at the prestigious Japan National Press Club.
The last time I spoke here was in May 2008, immediately after I became Governor of the Bank of Japan. Looking back at developments since then, it is no exaggeration to say that the global economy has gone through a tumultuous two years.