Japan core inflation softens to over four year low, weakening case for BOJ rate hike

Core inflation — which strips out prices of fresh food — was lower than the 1.7% expected by economists polled by Reuters and below the 1.8% reading in March.

# Japan core inflation softens to over four year low, weakening case for BOJ rate hike Core inflation — which strips out prices of fresh food — was lower than the 1.7% expected by economists polled by Reuters and below the 1.8% reading in March. **Read the full article:** [CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/22/japan-april-core-inflation-boj-rate-hike-outlook.html) *This article was originally published by CNBC. MoneyWiseInc provides expert curation of the best financial content from trusted sources.*