It is imperative to get operations at the Tokyo Stock Exchange back to normal as soon as possible for the sake of the Japanese economy.

Many citizens are telling us to press ahead again with reforms.

If an exchange fails to secure normal trading, this calls into question its purpose.

A stock exchange that can't carry on trading simply doesn't deserve to exist. The exchange should make it a top priority to bring business back to normal.

Given both the real economy and people's sentiment, I would say the Japanese economy is now about to exit a dark tunnel and move in a bright direction.

The Tokyo Stock Exchange must be an open market with credibility for the world that stock prices are fair and investors are safe.

Long-term interest rate levels reflect real economic growth, inflationary expectations and risk premium, and it may be possible to minimize the risk premium (component) through government policy.

I think there are probably lawmakers who are wavering and people who think it is undesirable for there to be any major, unpredictable upheaval.

Within the LDP, there are now very few who speak out as loudly (for farmers) as in the past and the number of farm-related lawmakers with rational views has grown.