The Bank of Japan's Shirikawa spoke in Tokyo noting that the BOJ is putting equal emphasis on the upside potential as much as the downside risks.  He added that stabilizing inflation expectations is crucial and a point of emphasis. Additional notes to his statement are as follows:

• BOJ has no preset policy direction.
• Growth to slow further on rising costs.
• Core prices to keep rising above 1.5%.
• BOJ see's no signs of second round inflation.
• Economy can avoid deep adjustment
• BOJ weighs growth and inflation risks equally.