The value of all outstanding loans with Japanese banks. Bank lending is important because lending increases with increased business confidence and investment. It is particularly insightful for the Japanese economy because of the weakness that has plagued the Japanese banking sector. The headline number is for total loans and discounts and is a percentage change from the previous year.

Relevance : Rarely affects markets
Release schedule : 23:50 (GMT); monthly, in the second week of the following month.
Revisions schedule : Few, only as necessary
Source of report : Bank of Japan
Web Address : http://www.boj.or.jp/en
Address of release : http://www.boj.or.jp/en/theme/research/stat/dl/zan/kashi/index.htm
AKA : Total Loans and Discounts