BOJ chief says Japan economy on the mend

TOKYO (AP) — Japan's economy has stopped weakening and should show signs of recovery by midyear, the newly appointed central bank governor said Thursday, as weaker-than-expected retail sales for February underscored the challenge he faces in restoring consumer confidence.

Japan government to downgrade economic assessment in November: sources

(Reuters) - Japan will downgrade its assessment of the economy in a monthly report due at the end of the week, government sources told Reuters on Wednesday, as the global economic slowdown pushes the country to the brink of recession.

Noda's tax success may fail to end Japan deadlock

(Reuters) - After years of policy paralysis in Japan, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has pushed a much-needed but unpopular sales tax hike through the lower house of parliament, but the chances of further reform in the world's third-largest economy seem unlikely.

Japan Debt-Financing Concern Clouds BOJ’s Bond Buying: Economy

Some Bank of Japan board members are concerned that increased bond purchases by the central bank may be viewed as financing government deficit spending, minutes of last month’s meeting show.