BOJ Kuroda dismisses view ultra-easy policy crippled regional lenders

The BOJ has been under fire from some lawmakers for the rising cost and diminishing return of its prolonged ultra-easy policy

Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda said on Wednesday he "cannot accept" the view the central bank's ultra-loose monetary policy has led to regional lenders' deteriorating health.

"It's true Japan's low interest rate environment has had an impact on regional lenders through various channels," Kuroda told parliament.

"But Japan's economy has expanded moderately thanks in part to the BOJ's aggressive monetary easing" and helped boost growth in areas the regional banks operate, he said.

Speaking in the same parliament session, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said mergers and consolidation are "among options" for regional lenders.

"But what's important is that any