Introduction It is my pleasure to have the opportunity today to exchange views with administrative, financial, and business leaders in Akita Prefecture. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincerest gratitude for your cooperation with the activities of the Bank of Japan’s Akita Branch.
Today, before exchanging views with you, I would like to first explain the Bank’s view on Japan’s economic activity and prices and then move on to the Bank’s thinking on the monetary policy management. I. Recent developments in and outlook for economic activity at home and abroad  Overseas economies Let me start by talking about overseas economies.