**[Tokyo Inflation Cools More Than Expected, But Unlikely to Stop BOJ Rate Hikes]** Jin10 Data, December 26 – Tokyo inflation cooled more than expected as pressure from food and energy prices eased, but this is unlikely to prevent the Bank of Japan (BOJ) from continuing to raise interest rates. Data released by Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications on Friday showed that Tokyo's consumer price index (CPI), excluding fresh food, rose 2.3% year-on-year in December, a significant slowdown from 2.8% in the previous month. This marks the first inflation slowdown since August, primarily reflecting a moderation in food price increases and a decline in energy costs. Economists had previously forecast the index to slow to 2.5%. The overall inflation indicator fell from 2.7% year-on-year to 2.0%, while the deeper inflation indicator excluding energy prices also slowed to 2.6%. Tokyo's inflation data is often regarded as a leading indicator of nationwide inflation trends. Despite the significant slowdown in overall inflation data, it remains above the BOJ's 2% target, keeping the central bank on track for further policy tightening.