Japan's new economic revitalization minister says the government will roll out a bold economic package focusing on measures to deal with rising prices and the weakening yen and to achieve structural wage hikes.

Goto Shigeyuki spoke at a Lower House committee meeting on Wednesday after assuming the post the previous day. He succeeded Yamagiwa Daishiro, who resigned after coming under fire for his links to the religious group formerly known as the Unification Church.

His appointment comes as the government prepares to finalize its comprehensive economic package on Friday.

Goto vowed to do his best to carry out his duties and fulfill his responsibility as a Cabinet minister.

He said he will push forward with Prime Minister Kishida Fumio's economic policy of a "new form of capitalism" by responding seamlessly to rising prices and other economic changes. The minister added that he will be mindful of risks such as soaring energy and food prices and a possible global economic slowdown.

Goto is also in charge of the coronavirus response. He said he will steadily implement measures to prepare for another possible wave of infections that could come later this year.

He added that he will consider mid-term and long-term measures to deal with the coronavirus.