BOJ Deputy Governor Signals Openness to September Rate Hike

Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino signaled on Thursday that the central bank remains open to raising interest rates as early as September, emphasizing the need for timely policy adjustments to address rising inflation risks. Speaking to business leaders in Saitama, Himino stated that if underlying inflation moves persistently above the BOJ's 2% target, it could harm the economy, and that policymakers should pay greater attention to upside price risks than in the past. His remarks, delivered on August 27, 2026, were closely watched by markets as a key test of expectations for a rate hike at the BOJ's September 17-18 policy meeting.

Himino did not explicitly confirm a September move but said in-depth deliberations should be held at each monetary policy meeting, a stance that contrasts with clearer signals he gave ahead of a rate hike in January 2025. He argued that raising rates in a timely manner would help avoid a spike in inflation that could later require abrupt tightening, and that this approach would ultimately benefit small and midsize businesses, mortgage borrowers, and public finances. The deputy governor also noted that a weak yen could push up inflation at a...