BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda Discharged from Hospital, Resumes Duties on July 23

Bank of Japan (BOJ) Governor Kazuo Ueda was discharged from the hospital today following treatment for a liver cyst infection. According to the BOJ, Governor Ueda is scheduled to resume his official duties starting July 23. While he will continue outpatient follow-up treatment over the next two weeks, he plans to manage official affairs, including parliamentary hearings where necessary, potentially utilizing remote methods.

Governor Ueda remains on track to attend the next Monetary Policy Meeting, scheduled for July 30-31. He had been hospitalized since July 9, forcing him to miss the July 15-16 policy meeting—a historical first for an incumbent BOJ Governor. During his absence, Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino presided over the meeting, while Deputy Governor Shinichi Uchida conducted the post-meeting press conference. Despite Ueda's absence, the board proceeded with policy decisions, with seven out of eight members voting in favor of interest rate hikes.