Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has nominated economist Seiji Adachi, a known reflationist, to the Bank of Japan's Policy Board amid growing attention over Abe's stance on monetary easing.

Adachi, head of economic research at Marusan Securities, was tapped to replace Yutaka Harada, who likewise has advocated massive spending to reflate the economy, according to a statement distributed by a Diet committee Tuesday.

To avoid a vacancy on the board, the Diet is likely to approve the nomination before Harada ends his five-year term March 25.