Against a background of liberalization and deregulation, the Japanese financial system is now undergoing substantial change—change closely monitored by world financial circles. Prepared by the Institute for Monetary and Economic Studies, Bank of Japan, this study provides up-to-date, detailed information on the present system and its historical background. Part I outlines features and changes in the Japanese financial system and economy since World War II; Part II gives detailed descriptions of various assets, interest rates, financial institutions, and monetary policies.