Hajime Takata

Stories

Tokyo inflation jumps to 2.7%, driving case for another BOJ hike

Dissented at the October 30 meeting in favor of raising the policy rate to 1.5%

The Bank of Japan held its policy rate at 1.25% on October 30 and said for the first time since adopting a 2% inflation target in 2013 that underlying inflation was generally consistent with it. The board voted 8-1, with Hajime Takata dissenting in favor of a rise to 1.5%.

Updated 6 days ago

BOJ pushes rates to 0.75%: Japan’s “free money” era starts getting expensive

Rule Changes

As of May 2026: Publicly positioned as a hawkish voice pressing the BOJ to acknowledge inflation progress

Japan's shift away from ultra-easy money is now colliding with the currency market. After raising rates to 0.75% on December 19, 2025, Governor Kazuo Ueda stressed real rates remain 'very low' or negative and the BOJ will pace tightening while responding flexibly to exceptional long-term yield moves.

Updated May 15