Thank you for joining us today. Thank you also for your support for the Bank of Japan and its Kushiro Branch and Obihiro Office. Economic Activity and Prices Let me begin by discussing the outlook for Japan's economic activity and prices. One factor that could sway the outlook is the direction taken by the new U.S. administration. The Philosophy and Policies of the New U.S. Administration Eight months have passed since the new U.S. administration took office, and I tend to believe I have learned a lot about its approaches. However, the unexpected developments I face almost daily make me realize that there are still ... (full story)