BOJ Keeps Interest Rate at 0.75% for Third Straight Meeting

Apr 28, 2026 | News On Japan

TOKYO - The Bank of Japan decided to leave interest rates unchanged, opting against an additional rate hike for now, after its monetary policy meeting concluded earlier with a majority vote to maintain the policy rate at 0.75%, marking the third consecutive meeting at which rates were left unchanged.

At the same time, the number of board members opposing the decision to hold rates steady and instead calling for a hike rose to three. One member noted that while uncertainty surrounding the situation in the Middle East remains, upside risks to prices are high.

In its quarterly Outlook Report, which presents projections for the economy and prices, the BOJ said higher crude oil prices are expected to push up inflation, particularly through energy costs. It raised its forecast for consumer price growth for the current fiscal year by 0.9 percentage point from the previous estimate to 2.8%.

The increase in members advocating higher rates, together with the upgraded inflation outlook, reinforced market expectations that the BOJ is leaning toward future tightening. In foreign exchange markets, the yen strengthened on the news.

Source: TBS

Sapporo's Snow-Clearing Tram Makes Early Winter Debut

Sapporo deployed its distinctive Sasara snow-clearing tram for the first time this season early on November 7th, the second-earliest deployment in 10 years, after snowfall reached 8 centimeters at 4 a.m., prompting a vehicle to leave its depot to clear snow from the city's streetcar tracks.

Putin Places Japan Tobacco Under Russian Control

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree placing the Russian operations of Japan Tobacco (JT) under the temporary management of a local company, effectively stripping the Japanese tobacco giant of control over its business in the country and prompting a formal protest from Tokyo demanding that the measure be immediately withdrawn.

Bears May Know When Astringent Persimmons Become Sweet

Bears preparing for winter hibernation may be able to determine when astringent persimmons have lost their bitterness and become suitable to eat, according to research by the University of Hyogo, which suggests that prioritizing the removal of sweet persimmon trees could help prevent bears from entering residential areas.

Japan's Tax Relief Plan Sparks Debate Over Middle Income Threshold

Japan's government is facing growing pressure from opposition lawmakers to clarify who will qualify for a new financial support program and how much they will receive, as deliberations on legislation to reduce the consumption tax on food and introduce payments for low- and middle-income earners enter their final stages in the House of Representatives.

Chaos at Narita Airport as Smartphone Catches Fire

A smartphone caught fire at Narita Airport's Terminal 1 shortly after 7:30 a.m. on November 4th, prompting the dispatch of 10 fire trucks and other emergency vehicles before the blaze was extinguished about 30 minutes later, with no injuries reported.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Business NEWS

Nissan Launches Comeback Drive With New Models

Nissan Motor is stepping up efforts to revive its struggling business through new vehicle development, sweeping cost reductions and an overhaul of its sales strategy, as President and CEO Ivan Espinosa seeks to restore the Japanese automaker's competitiveness following consecutive years of massive losses.

Japan Stocks Plunge Nearly 6% on Friday as Nikkei Loses 3,643 Points

Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 index plunged 3,643 points, or 5.96%, to close at 57,435 on Friday, November 6, 2026, marking its fifth consecutive daily decline and one of the largest point losses in its history, as a global selloff in technology stocks spread across the Tokyo market and raised concerns about the sustainability of artificial intelligence investment and corporate valuations.

Garbage Bag Prices Jump From 385 Yen to 1,735 Yen

Municipalities across Japan are raising the cost of designated garbage bags as waste disposal expenses increase, with one town in Hokkaido proposing a 4.5-fold price hike from 385 yen to 1,735 yen for a pack of 10 bags, while growing pressure on incineration facilities is prompting debate over whether more cities should introduce paid household garbage collection.

Japan's Real Wages Rise 2.2% in September, Extending Gains to Nine Months

Japan's inflation-adjusted wages rose 2.2% in September from a year earlier, marking the ninth consecutive month of growth and the longest sustained increase in about a decade, as slower price increases helped boost workers' purchasing power.

Nikkei Plunges Over 4,300 Points Friday Morning

Tokyo stocks suffered a sharp sell-off on November 6 as growing concerns over a slowdown in artificial intelligence investment sent the Nikkei 225 plunging more than 4,300 points at one stage, pushing the benchmark below the psychologically important 60,000 level following a sweeping Democratic victory in the U.S. midterm elections.

Sony Posts Record Profit on Spider-Man Success

Sony Group reported a record net profit of 791.7 billion yen for the six months from April to September 2026, up 38% from a year earlier, driven by strong performance in its film business, including the worldwide success of a new installment in the Spider-Man franchise.

Nikkei Plunges 1,110 Points on Thursday as Chip Stocks Tumble

Tokyo's Nikkei 225 Stock Average closed at 61,077.90 on Thursday, November 5, falling 1,110.73 points, or 1.79%, from the previous session in its fourth consecutive daily decline, as heavy selling in semiconductor and artificial intelligence-related shares dragged the benchmark to its lowest closing level in about five and a half months, despite gains across much of the broader market.

Tokyo Shares Tumble Wednesday Despite Strong Corporate Earnings

Japan's Nikkei 225 Stock Average closed at 62,188.63 on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, falling 893.23 points, or 1.42%, from the previous trading session as heavy selling in semiconductor and artificial intelligence-related stocks swept through Tokyo markets following the U.S. midterm elections, although a strong afternoon recovery helped the benchmark recover much of its earlier losses.

< 2 3 4 5 >