BOJ warns of sluggish export recovery

TOKYO (Reuters) - Sluggish Asian demand and a shift in Japanese production overseas will continue to weigh on exports, the Bank of Japan said, underscoring its waning conviction that overseas shipments will soon pick up and support a fragile economic recovery.

BOJ to stick to optimistic economic view, debate weak exports

(Reuters) - The Bank of Japan is set to continue its massive asset purchases and retain its rosy view on the outlook on Friday despite a series of weak data, underscoring its conviction that the world's third biggest economy can withstand the pain from a tax hike without further stimulus.

Japan government cuts economy view after sales tax; no need for fresh stimulus

(Reuters) - Japan's government slightly cut its overall view on the economy, its first downgrade in a year and a half, but officials shrugged off the need for more stimulus to support the economy.

Japanese business confidence hits six-year high, Tankan survey shows

Japanese business confidence improved over the three months to December to its highest level in six years, a central bank survey showed, suggesting prime minister Shinzo Abe's Abenomics stimulus policies are gaining broader traction across the economy.

Japan plans $53B stimulus as recovery falters

TOKYO (AP) — Japan's Cabinet approved billions of dollars of stimulus spending in a supplementary budget meant to perk up a faltering economic recovery and cushion the impact of a sales tax hike next April.