TOKYO (AFX-ASIA) - Finance Minister Masajuro Shiokawa said he hopes the Bank of Japan will stimulate consumption through a further easing of monetary policy, adding that he is monitoring the central bank carefully. "The Finance Ministry has a strong interest in price movements as a measure to boost the economy. In that sense, I hope the BoJ will take further monetary easing and stimulate consumption," Shiokawa told a briefing. "I will monitor closely the developments at the BoJ because the bank is saying it will take further credit easing measures if necessary."