On the other hand, any resulting increase in core inflation may be more than offset in 1997 by a slowing of the increase in food prices and a partial reversal of the recent increase in energy prices. Let me now turn to the more challenging stories, job insecurity and absence of pricing leverage.
In addition, a labor shortage and prices of materials rising or remaining at high levels have been affecting not a little the progress in reconstruction in the disaster-stricken areas. How that will develop going forward also warrants due attention, in my view. I have heard that big events are scheduled for this year in Miyagi Prefecture.