Bank of Japan Governor Kuroda Haruhiko met with Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru to discuss economic and market issues.

Bank of Japan Governor Kuroda Katsutoshi told reporters that he discussed the economy and financial markets with Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru during a routine meeting. Kuroda stated after the meeting that if there is improvement in prices and the economy, they will consider raising interest rates. They discussed market dynamics, including currency, with Ishiba and hoped that market trends would reflect the fundamentals. They will communicate with the government while monitoring the market. This was the first meeting between the two since February, described as a regular meeting not triggered by any specific event. Note: The Bank of Japan is expected to stand pat at its policy meeting on September 19th.