On 26 August, Jiji Press replaced its article about a speech by Economic and Fiscal Policy Minister Jōnai Minoru (城内 実), removing an explanation concerning the deletion of wording from the Basic Policy on Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform, along with references to the Bank of Japan. Jōnai Minoru (城内 実) issued a rebuttal on X, and a new explanation was added to the replacement article.
On 26 August, Jiji Press updated its initial article about a speech by Economic and Fiscal Policy Minister Jōnai Minoru (城内 実) with a replacement article. The initial version reported claims concerning the treatment of the term “fiscal consolidation” as an explanation for the deletion of wording from the Basic Policy on Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform, but about 2 hours later Jōnai Minoru (城内 実) posted a rebuttal. In response, a new explanation was added to the replacement article, while remarks concerning the Bank of Japan were removed.
The replacement article added a question concerning the appropriateness of the wording used as a government objective, as well as recognition of the importance of ensuring fiscal sustainability. This was taken to mean that the administration's stance on fiscal discipline had been revised toward a different interpretation.
The deletion of references to the Bank of Japan's independence and monetary policy management has attracted market attention, and focus is turning to future policy decisions and the market response. How Jōnai Minoru (城内 実)'s position is conveyed through the replacement, and the future course of dialogue between the administration and the market, are now key points of focus.