DJ: Shirakawa Will Keep Easing At 'Most Appropriate Speed'

TOKYO--Bank of Japan Gov. Masaaki Shirakawa said Monday that the central bank will proceed with its monetary policy measures at the most appropriate speed to maximize the effects of its easing steps including efforts to strengthen growth potential.

"There is no question that the bank should exert every effort to enhance its easing effects as much as possible, in an effort to achieve its goal by imaginatively using its policy instruments," Mr. Shirakawa said at an event held in Tokyo.

At its previous meeting on Oct. 30, the central bank decided to expand its asset-purchase program--its main tool for monetary easing--to Y91 trillion by increasing both government debt and riskier asset buying.

The BOJ also introduced a new facility designed to stimulate bank lending. Mr. Shirakawa has said the bank will announce details of the facility by the end of this year.

The bank's policy board is scheduled to hold its next meeting on Nov. 19-20.