While there are signs the turmoil in the Middle East might settle down, there is also an increased risk that domestic consumer prices will sharply rise due to a weakening yen and higher petroleum prices caused by the conflict.

The Bank of Japan needs to continue adjusting its policy interest rate, which remains at a level of monetary easing, while also heeding possible effects on the economy.

After two days of meetings, the BOJ on June 16 raised its key interest rate from around 0.75 percent to about 1 percent, a level not seen in about 31 years.

The central bank held off on raising the interest rate in its April meeting, citing the situation in the Middle East.

BOJ Deputy Governor Shinichi Uchida, speaking on behalf of hospitalized Governor Kazuo Ueda at the June 16 news conference, said there was the risk the........

© The Asahi Shimbun