As we all know, Japan’s economy is currently beset with a number of formidable problems. By resolving each of these problems steadily and patiently, I believe, prospects for the future of Japan’s economy will be improved. With such a vision in mind, today, I would like to talk about these problems and the steps the Bank has been taking to address them. 1.
Current situation and challenges facing Japan’s economy  Current condition Let me begin by briefly talking about the current condition of Japan’s economy. Economic activity, as a whole, remains flat. On the bright side, corporate profits continue to improve, and business fixed investment is on a gradual upturn.