Japan tried to keep a low profile at the recent meeting of Group of Seven finance ministers in Halifax, Nova Scotia. However, the United States insisted that Japan take more steps to revitalize its economy.
The U.S. officials taking part in the G7 meeting avoided spelling out concrete measures that they deem necessary for Japan to take, since such an action could be construed as an interference in Japan's domestic affairs.
But the real intentions of the White House must have been made known to the government of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. This is apparently behind the move by Finance Minister Masajuro Shiokawa to order a freeze on personnel transfers at the ministry.
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