Takahide Kiuchi Quotations

While capital spending has been the main driver of growth, we're going to see the consumer start to play a larger role. Growth led by consumer spending will increase the stability of the recovery.

The data support the case for an early hike in interest rates. It could happen in July at the earliest.

People's sentiment is changing. They don't mind spending more for attractive goods.

Declining population may have a potential negative impact on the economy from the labor side. But the contribution of labor is not very big in terms of the potential growth rate of Japan's economy. If companies expand capacity and capital, that may help offset the negatives of labor reduction.

Companies have a lot of free cash now. That provides a big buffer.

It's unlikely that the next administration will stray far from pursuing structural reforms. Even if the Democratic Party of Japan takes power, they will continue to push for fiscal reform.

In terms of timing, March is not necessarily ideal.

The market has already priced in an imminent move.