Japanese Finance Minister Masajuro Shiokawa reported as saying weak economic growth was worrying, but "likely to be temporary". Shiokawa repeated his recent mantra of not seeing the need for an extra budget now, but said he would welcome more easing from the Bank of Japan. Meanwhile, economics minister Keizo Takenaka reported as saying deflationary pressure was likely to continue for some time. Takenaka also said he wants to urge the BOJ to harmonise policy with the government.