Suntory president says Bank of Japan "must raise interest rates," rare pressure on central bank before decision meeting.

Shintaro Shina, President of Suntory Holdings Ltd. and Chairman of the Japan Economic Foundation, stated that the Bank of Japan should raise interest rates at this week's policy meeting, otherwise it would weaken the yen and worsen inflation. Shintaro Shina, speaking on behalf of the influential Japan Economic Foundation at a press conference on Tuesday, expressed that if the Bank of Japan falls behind in responding to changes in the economic situation, "it will be the responsibility of the Governor."