Finance Minister Taro Aso pledged Monday to rejuvenate the economy, which has been badly hit by the spread of the coronavirus, and advance structural reforms for the future after the pandemic.

In his speech on the first day of this year's ordinary Diet session, Aso said the government will prevent the number of coronavirus infections from rising further "while supporting employment and business."

Finance Minister Taro Aso delivers a speech at the Lower House plenary session Monday. | KYODO
Finance Minister Taro Aso delivers a speech at the Lower House plenary session Monday. | KYODO