The reason for his absence from the Bank of Japan's Monetary Policy Meeting was attendance at the Diet, and he indicated that attendance at future meetings would depend on the circumstances at the time. He was reported to be cautious about whether to declare an end to deflation.
At a press conference following a Cabinet meeting, Minister of State for Economic and Fiscal Policy Jōnai Minoru (城内 実) explained that he had been absent from the Bank of Japan's Monetary Policy Meeting on 30 October because he was attending the Diet.
Regarding attendance at future meetings, he said it would depend on the circumstances at the time, suggesting that he would decide how to respond based on the circumstances.
The headline of an article on whether to declare an end to deflation reflected caution, and no specific proclamation or timing for a decision was presented.