Japan's usually solemn central bank governor gave some rare relief to reporters yesterday by shortening his news conference so they could hurry away to watch the World Cup match between Japan and Tunisia.

Bank of Japan Governor Masaru Hayami's news conference started 30 minutes before kick-off, but he told reporters he would make his answers brief and carried out his promise by finishing three minutes before the match began.

"I don't want you journalists to miss this important moment when the entire country is on the alert," he said. "I'll make sure my answer to your questions are brief so that you don't have to stay here longer than necessary."

Hayami also said he was hopeful of the economic impact of co-hosting the World Cup. "It is difficult to measure the economic effect of these events. But the economy is showing some bright spots, and there is no question it (the World Cup) will give an extra push," he said.