High oil prices are a concerning factor. We have to watch them carefully.

I hope to explain (to the U.S. officials) the Japanese government's continued efforts toward structural reform.

I hope to hold broad discussions on U.S. economic conditions.

No matter who becomes (next prime minister), it will be an unavoidable path,

It's important for the foreign exchange market to reflect economic fundamentals and move steadily.

Prime Minister Koizumi made the visit based on his personal judgment.

It would be an unavoidable path for whoever becomes (the next prime minister),

We see improvement in the Japanese economy, led by domestic demand, and it is likely to continue. But deflation still moderately remains. We haven't fully overcome deflation.

Japan's currency is not one that lacks flexibility.

It isn't simply a relationship affecting the two countries, ... It's one that holds significance for Asian and world economies, so we must cooperate to develop this favorable relationship further.