Against a background of liberalization and deregulation, the Japanese financial system is now undergoing substantial change - a topic of major concern in world financial circles. This book provides up-to-date, detailed information on the present system and its historical background. Prepared by the staff of the Institute for Monetary and Economic Studies, Bank of Japan, and edited by Dr Yoshio Suzuki, the distinguished monetary economist, this survey is supported by the most authoritative data and figures. The book is divided into two parts: Part I outlines features and changes in the Japanese financial system and economy after the Second World War. Part II gives detailed descriptions of various assets, interest rates, financial institutions, and monetary policy.