Translation guide
The government official responsible for financial and economic policy. In Japan, the title is 財務大臣 (Zaimu Daijin).
Referring to the current or a specific Japanese Minister of Finance.
Referring to the Minister of Finance of another country.
Use the country name + の + 財務大臣. For example, 'the US Secretary of the Treasury' is often translated as アメリカの財務長官, but 財務大臣 is also understood.
イギリスの財務大臣が来日した。
The UK Chancellor of the Exchequer visited Japan.
Talking about the position in general, or in historical contexts.
Before the 2001 central government reform, the Ministry of Finance was called 大蔵省 (Ōkura-shō) and its minister was 大蔵大臣 (Ōkura Daijin). Since 2001, it is 財務省 (Zaimu-shō) and 財務大臣 (Zaimu Daijin). Use 大蔵大臣 only for pre-2001 contexts.
When speaking directly to the Minister, use 大臣 (Daijin) with or without the name, e.g., 鈴木大臣 (Suzuki Daijin). In very formal settings, 財務大臣閣下 (Zaimu Daijin Kakka) may be used, but this is rare.
The standard official title for the Minister of Finance in Japan.
鈴木財務大臣は今日記者会見を開いた。
Finance Minister Suzuki held a press conference today.
Used when referring to the minister in a possessive or descriptive way, e.g., 'the Finance Minister's statement'.
財務大臣の発言が市場に影響を与えた。
The Finance Minister's remarks affected the market.
Used for the US Secretary of the Treasury, though 財務大臣 is also common.
アメリカの財務長官は経済政策を担当する。
The US Secretary of the Treasury is in charge of economic policy.
The pre-2001 title for the Minister of Finance in Japan. Still used in historical contexts.
大蔵大臣だった頃、彼は消費税導入を進めた。
When he was Minister of Finance, he pushed for the introduction of the consumption tax.