The government has approved a record ¥88.548 trillion budget for fiscal 2009. Marking an increase of 6.6 percent from the initial fiscal 2008 budget, it represents an attempt to keep the Japanese economy from suffering the worst effects of the global financial crisis.
Prime Minister Taro Aso said, "Unusual economic conditions require unusual responses."
But it is unclear whether the budget will be effective, since the economy is rapidly deteriorating and the budget fails to convey a message that it is focused on strengthening the foundations for future economic growth. Just increasing the budget size by bundling the projects of various ministries could result in spreading money around without really stimulating the economy.