Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Himinno said the central bank is likely to keep raising interest rates in line with economic, inflation and financial trends. The pace and timing of hikes will be assessed based on the baseline scenario and existing risks, with core inflation approaching the 2% target. While higher oil prices pressure growth, Japan’s economy remains resilient thanks to strong corporate profits and household incomes. Exchange‑rate volatility is now a key factor influencing inflation, and the BOJ will monitor it closely. The recent pause in bond‑buying was explained as giving banks and retail investors more time to increase purchases, not a reaction to fiscal policy.