Press Conferences,Press Conference by KATAYAMA Satsuki, Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Financial Services (September 18, 2026)

(Friday, September 18, 2026, 15:45 am to 16:03 am)

Following yesterday’s inauguration of the Reshuffled Second Takaichi Cabinet, I have been reappointed as Minister of Finance, Minister of State for Financial Services, and Minister in charge of Reviewing Special Measures Concerning Taxation and Subsidies. I have also been newly appointed Minister in charge of Consumption Tax and Working Individuals’ Burden Relief Support Benefit Legislation. I look forward to continuing to engage with you.
... With regard to financial affairs, we will advance measures under the Financial Services Strategy to Promote Growth Investment, with the aim of further advancing the initiative to promote Japan as a Leading Asset Management Center and promoting growth investment. As I have noted in response to questions on several occasions at press conferences, we have made successive efforts to expand the domestic investor base by enhancing the attractiveness of Japanese government bonds for retail investors and to strengthen the capabilities of regional financial institutions. In this context, I was instructed to support regional financial institutions in further fulfilling their financial intermediation functions and ensuring their soundness. In particular, the FSA Strategic Priorities formulated on the 15th position the promotion of the Financial Services Strategy as a top priority. With a view to realizing a strong economy, I intend to steadily implement and advance the measures set out in the Strategy.

As you mentioned earlier, you have been reappointed as Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Financial Services, and have also been newly appointed Minister in charge of Consumption Tax and Working Individuals’ Burden Relief Support Benefit Legislation. Could you tell us what instructions you received from Prime Minister Takaichi and share your thoughts on how you intend to approach your responsibilities going forward?