Japan Tokyo Core CPI

The core consumer price index for the Ku-area of Tokyo in Japan increased by 2.2% year-on-year in February 2025, slowing from an 11-month high of 2.5% in January and coming in below forecasts of 2.3%. Despite the moderation, February’s inflation rate remains above the Bank of Japan’s 2% target for the fourth consecutive month, reinforcing a hawkish outlook on domestic monetary policy. In response to persistent inflationary pressures, the Bank of Japan raised its policy rate to 0.5% from 0.25% during its January meeting and revised its inflation projections upward, signaling the potential for further rate hikes. BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda also emphasized the bank’s readiness to intervene in the bond market if bond yields rise too rapidly. Policymakers closely monitor Tokyo’s inflation data, which is a crucial indicator of nationwide price trends, as they assess Japan's progress toward achieving the BOJ's 2% inflation target sustainably.