Economy · Tokyo, Japan · October 23, 2026

Japan's core inflation rises to 2.1%, highest this year

Reported by 2 outlets · first reported Oct 23, 3:21 AM ET

Japan's core consumer prices, excluding fresh food, rose 2.1% in September, the highest this year and in line with forecasts. The Japan Times said the reading puts pressure on the Bank of Japan to raise rates by year-end.

Why it matters

Inflation above the 2% target strengthens the case for higher Japanese interest rates, which affects global capital flows.

Background

The Bank of Japan ended negative interest rates in 2024 after years of ultra-loose policy. It targets 2% inflation.

The story so far

1. Oct 23Japan's core inflation rises to 2.1%, highest this year
2. Oct 29Bank of Japan holds rates at 1.25%, says 2% target met
3. Oct 30Bank of Japan holds rates, says inflation target met
4. Oct 31Bank of Japan holds rates; Nikkei falls 2.1%
5. Nov 10Bank of Japan signals likely December rate hike

Follow the whole story →

Sources

• CNBC ↗Oct 23, 4:06 AM ET
• Japan Times ↗Oct 23, 3:21 AM ET

This summary was written automatically from the reporting linked above; follow the sources for the full story. How One Turn works.

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