Journal Article

Japan's approach to monetary policy

Abstract: The goal of monetary policy as conducted by the Bank of Japan is to contribute to the sound development of the national economy through the pursuit of price stability. The objective of price stability, however, is not precisely defined as it has been for other central banks. Following the implementation of the new Bank of Japan Law in 1998, the monetary policy framework is characterized by central bank independence, the primacy of the price stability objective, instrument independence, and policy decisions made by a monetary policy committee with regular meetings and published minutes. At its meetings, the monetary policy committee discusses the economic and financial situation and then decides matters relating to monetary policy, including the following: the guideline for money market operations; the official discount rate; reserve requirements ratios; the Bank's view of economic and financial developments; and the types, terms, and conditions of bills and bonds used in money market operations.

Keywords: Monetary policy - Japan; Bank of Japan; Banks and banking, Central - Japan;

Bibliographic Information

Provider: Federal Reserve Bank of Boston

Part of Series: New England Economic Review

Publication Date: 2002

Issue: Q 2

Pages: 39-43