The government needs to take measures this summer to stimulate the weakening economy amid surging fuel prices, Toshihiro Nikai, the new minister of economy, trade and industry, said.
"We are especially concerned that regional economies are worsening and small to midsize businesses are struggling," Nikai said in an interview with The Japan Times on Monday. "Record crude oil and raw material prices are squeezing both companies and families."
Nikai stressed that timely and aggressive policy implementation is required to resuscitate the economy.