Japan’s central bank chief sought to distance monetary policy from political pressure after stimulus implemented last month stoked speculation the government’s sway is increasing.
Governor Masaaki Shirakawa and his board yesterday rejected one member’s suggestion to build on the 10 trillion yen ($121 billion) of additional government-bond purchases announced Feb. 14. Officials instead expanded loans designed to boost long-term growth. Shirakawa told reporters after the meeting that bending to politicians would be “suicide.”
