Finance Minister Masajuro Shiokawa voiced resolve Tuesday to resort to all means necessary to combat the nation's economic woes and enable Japan to contribute to global growth again.
Shiokawa's remarks came during talks with U.S. Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill, who was in Tokyo to attend the Afghan aid conference.
O'Neill voiced support for Japan's efforts. A ministry official quoted him as saying he "acknowledges Japan's strong economic fundamentals and expects the country to exert its strength to return to a growth path."