Traffic signs in front of the Bank of Japan building in Tokyo, Japan, on Jun 15, 2026. (Photo: REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon)
Bank of Japan board member Junko Koeda said on Thursday (Oct 15) the central bank should not become overly cautious about raising interest rates given considerable upside risks to inflation.
Koeda said Japan's financial conditions remain accommodative even after the central bank's past interest rate hikes, with little sign higher borrowing costs were hurting household and business activities.
Continued price increases across a wide range of consumer items suggest that underlying inflation is becoming anchored around the BOJ's 2 per cent target, she said.
With wages also rising steadily, Japan appears to be making more durable progress towards sustained inflation, Koeda said.
"The BOJ should adjust interest rates in a timely manner with an eye on the economic and price situation, while keeping in mind the estimated range of the neutral interest rate," she said in a speech delivered to business leaders in Kumamoto, southern Japan.
The BOJ raised its key rate to a 31-year high last month, and signalled a shift toward preventing underlying inflation from overshooting its target, bolstering expectations of further policy tightening.
While the BOJ may pause in October, it is likely to drop hawkish hints that would reinforce dominant market expectations of a December hike, sources have told Reuters.
Subscribe to our Chief Editor’s Week in Review
Our chief editor shares analysis and picks of the week's biggest news every Saturday.
Get our pick of top stories and thought-provoking articles in your inbox
Stay updated with notifications for breaking news and our best stories
Join our channel for the top reads for the day on your preferred chat app
We know it's a hassle to switch browsers but we want your experience with CNA to be fast, secure and the best it can possibly be.
To continue, upgrade to a supported browser or, for the finest experience, download the mobile app.
Upgraded but still having issues? Contact us