TechFlame reports that three sources familiar with the Bank of Japan's thinking said that this month the Bank of Japan will consider raising its inflation forecast for the current fiscal year, reflecting the continued rise in the prices of rice and a wider range of food products. However, sources said that the Bank of Japan is expected to generally maintain its inflation expectations for the 2026 and 2027 fiscal years, which means that the Bank of Japan will suspend interest rate hikes, awaiting more clear information on how US tariffs will affect the economy.