The new member of the Bank of Japan's board, Atsuko Kogai, has hinted at a possible increase in inflation expectations.

One of the new members of the Bank of Japan, Atsuko Koeda, hinted that the central bank may raise inflation expectations this month, leaving the possibility of another interest rate hike this year. "Inflation in rice and food-related products is higher than expected," Koeda said in her first media interview since joining the Bank in March. "I am closely watching the potential second-round impact of rice, a staple food, on underlying inflation."