Bank of Japan holds pat on monetary policy

TOKYO, Sep 22 (NHK) - Policymakers at the Bank of Japan have decided to leave the central bank's easing program unchanged as they wrapped up their two-day meeting on Friday.

The bank will keep its short-term benchmark interest rate in negative territory. It will also continue its asset purchases to keep long-term rates "around zero percent."

The BOJ also said it's maintaining an allowance band of around plus and minus half a percentage point as well as a cap of 1 percent adopted in July.

In the previous meeting, BOJ Governor Ueda Kazuo made the first policy tweak since he took the helm in April.

Investors are now focusing on whether Ueda will offer any fresh signals on the timing of a policy shift at his news conference scheduled after the meeting.

Source: ANNnewsCH

Osaka Installs 2-Meter Fence Under Glico Sign

Construction has begun on a fence under the Glico sign in Osaka's Minami district, known as 'Gurishita,' to prevent loitering and address crime-related issues.

Final Chapter for 'Bōsōzoku'?

For over half a century, Nagasaki Prefecture has waged a relentless battle against biker gangs, groups known for their reckless, illegal street racing that disturbed public order and endangered lives. Now, after years of intensified crackdowns, Nagasaki police have announced the virtual eradication of biker gangs, culminating in the recent disbandment of the last remaining group in January 2025.

'Spring Delicacy' Firefly Squid Fishery in Full Swing

The firefly squid fishery is at its peak in Shinonsen, Hyogo Prefecture, as the small bioluminescent squid, a seasonal delicacy of the Sea of Japan, is being hauled in.

Japan’s 'Most Dangerous' Zoo to Close in September Over Legal Issues

North Safari Sapporo, which brands itself as 'Japan's most dangerous zoo,' has announced it will close at the end of September, after operating for two decades despite being in an urban planning control zone where development is restricted.

One Month to Expo: International Pavilions Near Completion

With just one month to go until the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 opens on April 13, preparations are nearing completion. Visitors can now get an early glimpse of the atmosphere at the venue, where various pavilions are taking shape.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Business NEWS

Nissan Motor: CEO Uchida to step down, replaced by Espinosa

Nissan Motor says its president and CEO will step down. Uchida Makoto is seen as responsible for the Japanese automaker's worsening business, among other issues.

McDonald's Japan to Raise Prices Again

McDonald's Japan announced that starting March 12th, it will raise prices on 40% of its core menu items, including hamburgers, fries, and nuggets, at select locations.

Nakano Sunplaza Redevelopment Scrapped as Costs Surge

The redevelopment plan for the former Nakano Sunplaza site has been scrapped due to soaring project costs, causing widespread reaction.

Toyota Temporarily Suspends SUV Production Following Explosion

Toyota will halt production at some of its plants starting the morning of March 10th following an explosion at a parts supplier in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, that left one person dead and two others injured.

Seven & i Holdings taps first non-Japanese company president

Retail giant Seven & i Holdings has announced it will replace its president Isaka Ryuichi with an outside director. (NHK)

Scam Home Inspections Hit Record High in 2024

The number of cases involving fraudulent home inspection scams by unscrupulous renovation companies reached a record high in 2024, according to a report by the National Police Agency.

Sekisui House Ordered to Pay Y750 Million in Back Taxes

Sekisui House, a major homebuilder headquartered in Osaka, has been found to have underreported its tax obligations related to consumption tax deductions on payments to subcontractors.

Japan to Release Rice Reserves as Prices Surge Past 5,000 Yen for 5kg

Japan’s rice prices have been steadily climbing, with the cost of a 5-kilogram bag rising from 2,430 to 3,297 yen last year and further increasing to 3,949 yen this year, putting pressure on household budgets. To curb these rising prices, the government has decided to release its rice reserves.

< 2 3 4 5 >