Tokyo Core Inflation Slows to 16-Month Low

Core consumer prices in Tokyo’s central wards increased 1.8% year-on-year in February 2026, easing from a 2% rise in January and marking the softest pace since October 2024. Inflation in Japan’s capital slowed for a third straight month, though it slightly exceeded market expectations of 1.7%. Even so, the February reading fell below the Bank of Japan’s 2% target, suggesting limited urgency for the central bank to tighten policy in the near term. The Japanese government nominated two reflation-leaning academics to the BOJ’s policy board, reinforcing expectations that policymakers will move cautiously on further rate hikes. However, hawkish board member Hajime Takata reiterated the need for additional rate increases and for forward guidance to reflect that the price stability target is close to being achieved. Governor Kazuo Ueda also reportedly indicated that the central bank will carefully assess incoming economic data at its March and April meetings before making any rate decisions.