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.