Japan's latest stimulus: What it means and will it work?

Mr Kuroda has unveiled a massive expansion to Japan's money supply in his first meeting a governor of the Bank of Japan

When the economic history of Japan is written years down the road, Haruhiko Kuroda's first monetary policy meeting as the governor of the country's central bank is most likely to get a prominent mention.

In his first meeting as governor, Mr Kuroda has put the Bank of Japan on a path that many before him had not dared, or chosen, to take.

On Thursday, the Japanese central bank announced a massive expansion to the country's money supply, on a scale that has caught everyone by surprise.

But while the intent of triggering inflation and spurring economic growth is all good, like with everything else, there is a flip side attached to it.

If all goes according to plan, many may recall this meeting as the moment Japan was put back on a growth track.

However, if things unravel in the opposite way, the history books may not be that kind to Mr Kuroda.

What has the bank done?

What is it trying to achieve with this?

Will this work?

So there is a risk that benefits will not flow into the real economy?

Are there any risks involved?