Japan taps reflationist for BOJ board with eye on post-COVID recovery

Pick buffers against drastic shift from accommodative stance

The Bank of Japan has maintained a robust monetary easing policy to prop up the economy during the newest wave of coronavirus infections. (Photo by Mizuho Hasegawa)

Nikkei staff writers

January 22, 2021 05:23 JST

TOKYO -- The Japanese government on Thursday nominated reflationist economist Asahi Noguchi to join the Bank of Japan's policy-setting board, a move that reinforces support for the central bank's ultra-accommodative stance in combating the economic fallout from the pandemic.

Noguchi will replace Makoto Sakurai, whose term ends March 31. After he is confirmed by the Diet, Noguchi will be the fourth reflationist on the nine-member board.