Provisional translation

Press Conference by Kaoru Yosano, Minister of Finance and Minister for Financial Services and Economic and Fiscal Policy

(Excerpt)

March 3, 2009

[Questions and Answers]

Q.

Earlier today, Japanese stock prices hit a new low since the bursting of the economic bubble. Could you tell us about your views on the current stock prices and about the progress in deliberations on countermeasures?

A.

The stock price drop of 299 points in the New York market has apparently had a psychological impact on Japan’s average stock price. Although we will watch the situation calmly, it is natural that we cannot tolerate an excessive drop if the entire Japanese economy is taken into consideration.

(End)