[Reuters, Tokyo, 30th]-Minister Toshimitsu Mogi remarked at a post- Cabinet meeting on the 30th that there was no discussion about exchange rate clauses at the Japan-US ministerial trade talks or summit meeting last weekend.
Regarding the current state of the Japanese economy, he pointed out, “Personal consumption and capital investment are on an increasing trend, but external demand is weak.” He stressed that “Be careful about international economic trends such as trade issues.”
He showed that there was no rush demand ahead of the consumption tax hike, and that there was no reaction after the tax increase.
He stated that “I want to look calmly” about the impact of the worsening relationship between Japan and Korea on the Japanese economy. He pointed out that the number of tourists from other countries is increasing, while the number of visitors from South Korea is decreasing.
(Nobu Takemoto)