BOJ's Shirakawa: Japan financial system stable

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TOKYO, Oct 19 (Reuters) - Bank of Japan Governor Masaaki Shirakawa said on Monday the Japanese financial system remains stable overall as the economy recovers.

Overseas economies remain somewhat fragile and caution is needed over their outlook, Shirakawa said in a speech to a meeting of the central bank's regional branch managers.

The central bank deferred a decision on withdrawing its support for corporate finance last week.

It has come under pressure from some cabinet ministers who worry that a quick exit from emergency steps to support corporate funding would hurt the economy, now emerging from its deepest recession in 60 years.

It has kept interest rates at 0.1 percent since cutting them twice last year in the wake of the global financial crisis. (Reporting by Rie Ishiguro)