BOJ chief flags upside inflation risks, faster hikes possible

Bank of JapanPolicy rate unchanged, Japanese central bank to monitor yen movement, AI and Iran warBank of Japan Gov. Kazuo Ueda on Friday said that if financial conditions are judged to be overly accommodative, BOJ could "accelerate the pace of rate hikes." (Photo by Rie Ishi)JADA NAGUMOJuly 31, 2026 12:16 JSTUpdated on July 31, 2026 18:47 JSTTOKYO -- Bank of Japan Gov. Kazuo Ueda on Friday signaled the pace of rate hikes could accelerate, while warning of "meaningful upside risks" to inflation due to rising wages and prices, as well as elevated oil prices and a weak yen.