Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi instructed key economic ministers Friday to take measures to stop deflation and prevent further drops in the prices of Japanese stocks and government bonds.
The prime minister made the call ahead of a two-day meeting of Group of Seven finance ministers and central bank governors in Ottawa, where the ailing Japanese economy is expected to be a major topic.
Finance Minister Masajuro Shiokawa, one of the ministers who met with Koizumi, said he would explain the proposed steps at a two-day meeting of Group of Seven finance ministers and central bank governors in Ottawa, which began Friday.