00:00Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takeuchi says government efforts to strengthen the economy will help restore market confidence in the yen,
00:08pushing back against claims that the weak currency is hurting her approval ratings.
00:14She also pushed back against the criticism that the yen's weakness was mainly a result of her government being cautious
00:21about further rate hikes by the Bank of Japan.
00:26She also stressed that while the central bank is responsible for monetary policy,
00:31it is legally required to work closely with the government on broader economic policy.
00:36A new poll showed support for Takeuchi's government fell to 57% in July, the lowest since she took office
00:42last year.
00:43The government has yet to decide when to implement a promise cut to the 8% tax on food sales
00:49as lawmakers remain divided over the plan and how it would be funded.
00:53Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan is expected to keep interest rates unchanged this week,
00:58though markets believe it could signal further rate hikes if inflation pressures persist.
