That is what happened two years ago when the government used public funds to liquidate the failed jusen mortgage companies.

ECONOMIST: Bruised, battered and broke

Moreover, having pushed through a particularly expensive and unpopular scheme to liquidate seven jusen, or mortgage companies, last year, the government does not feel it can come up with yet another rescue package at the taxpayer's expense.

ECONOMIST: Why the Japanese disregard risk

Having been savaged by an outraged electorate over the liquidation of seven jusen, or mortgage companies, last year, and with a crucial upper-house election due next summer, Japanese politicians have been understandably nervous about even hinting that public money is needed to sort out Japan's banking mess.

ECONOMIST: Japanese banks: And then there were 19 | The