Japan has been dealing with its economic problems more aggressively than ever since the mid-February meeting in Sicily of finance ministers and central bankers from the Group of Seven industrial powers.

During the meeting, Japan's G7 partners urged the Bank of Japan to ensure ample liquidity in its financial markets and expressed concern over the Japanese banking system, which remains overburdened by bad loans.

The call prompted the ruling coalition, the government and the central bank to join forces in their efforts to get the economy back on track.