People familiar with the matter said persistent yen weakness has increased upside inflation risk and BOJ officials are open to accelerating rate hikes, potentially at a pace faster than many economists expect. Officials noted observers broadly expect hikes about every six months but said they could bring forward tightening if necessary and have no preset plan. Markets largely expect the BOJ to hold policy at the July 31 board meeting. The bank raised its policy rate to 1% last month, a 31‑year h

People familiar with the matter said persistent yen weakness has increased upside inflation risk and BOJ officials are open to accelerating rate hikes, potentially at a pace faster than many economists expect. Officials noted observers broadly expect hikes about every six months but said they could bring forward tightening if necessary and have no preset plan. Markets largely expect the BOJ to hold policy at the July 31 board meeting. The bank raised its policy rate to 1% last month, a 31‑year high, and most analysts see another hike around December. Officials said underlying inflation is approaching the 2% target set 13 years ago, warranting close monitoring of upside risks.