The Japanese public is mightily cross about a Ministry of Finance decision to use tax money to liquidate seven jusen, or mortgage companies, last year.

ECONOMIST: Japanese banks: Rot | The

And despite the fact that, when his book came out, Tokyo was humming with rumours of severe financial troubles at Japanese banks, he argued that these banks, led by the Ministry of Finance, were stronger and more efficient than their American counterparts.

ECONOMIST: How do books about the future stand up to the test of time?

The main obstacle in the way of more flexibility has been the Japanese finance ministry.

ECONOMIST: Japanese finance

As one sign that foreign investors are cooling to Japan's markets, the finance ministry reported Thursday a sharp drop in purchases of Japanese stocks by overseas investors.

WSJ: 5.2% Drop Takes Tokyo Stocks Into a Correction

Ministry of Finance officials suggested it reapply in partnership with a group of Japanese firms.

FORBES: Here come the gaijin