Candidates to become the next head and deputy heads of the Bank of Japan are set to explain their ideas on Japanese economic policy to Lower House members on February 24.

The government on Tuesday presented the Diet with the nominations of Ueda Kazuo as the new central bank governor and Himino Ryozo and Uchida Shinichi as deputy governors. The term of incumbent Governor Kuroda Haruhiko ends in early April.

Executive members of the Lower House steering committee on Thursday agreed that Ueda will speak before the committee in the morning and the other nominees in the afternoon. The speeches will be followed by a question-and-answer session.

During the meeting, Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu expressed regret that the proposal had been reported by the media before its submission to the Diet.

He said an investigation was conducted of government officials but that no leaks were confirmed. He added the government will thoroughly manage information.

Ueda is a scholar with expertise in macroeconomics and finance. He previously served for seven years on the BOJ Policy Board.

Himino is the former chief of the Financial Services Agency, and Uchida serves as a BOJ Executive Director.