32nd Governor of the Bank of Japan since 2023; economist and Tokyo University emeritus
The Bank of Japan has signaled a rate hike, with Deputy Governor Shinichi Uchida set to host the briefing as Governor Ueda is hospitalised for treatment of an infected liver cyst. A decision is expected to push the policy rate to 1% next week, the highest in three decades, while Himino presides over the review.
The Bank of Japan has raised its policy rate to 1% from 0.75% in line with expectations, as the yen remains near multi-decade lows amid pressure from the Iran war and higher oil prices. Officials warn of ongoing volatility and potential further action to stabilize markets and inflation.
The yen has weakened to fresh multi-decade lows as the gap between U.S. and Japanese rates persists. Tokyo is preparing to intervene if needed, while markets weigh the effectiveness of such moves and the broader economic risks from energy costs and global demand.