Prime Minister Naoto Kan attended a meeting of the Ministerial Council on Monthly Economic Report and Other Relative Issues at the Prime Minister's Office.

The Monthly Economic Report for August assesses the current state of the Japanese economy, stating that "Although the economy has been picking up steadily and the foundation for a self-sustaining recovery is being laid, it remains in a difficult situation such as a high unemployment rate."
On prospects for the economy, it states "As for short-term prospects, although some severe aspects remain in the employment situation, the economy is expected to be headed for a self-sustaining recovery as corporate profits continue to improve, reflecting improvement in overseas economies and the effects of various policy measures. On the other hand, attention should be given to the risks that the economy is depressed by a possible slowdown in overseas economies, especially in the Unites States and Europe, fluctuations in the financial and capital markets, and the influence of deflation. It should also be noted that there is still concern that the employment situation could deteriorate."