[Bank of Japan May Raise Economic Growth Forecast While Keeping Interest Rates Unchanged] Jinshi Data, January 9 – According to informed sources, although the Bank of Japan is expected to maintain its benchmark interest rate unchanged, it is likely to raise its economic growth forecast during this month's meeting. The Bank of Japan may adjust its economic growth forecast for the fiscal year starting in April 2026 from 0.7% upward in the quarterly economic outlook report to be released on January 23. The economic forecast for the current fiscal year may also be revised upward. The adjustment primarily reflects the anticipated impact of the economic plan proposed by Sanae Takaichi, which was passed by the parliament last month. Last month, the Bank of Japan raised interest rates to 0.75%, the highest level since 1995. This decision took into account the impact of the government's new measures. Informed sources stated that officials believe these measures will help achieve the Bank of Japan's economic forecast by boosting the core inflation rate. Sources indicated that if the economic forecast is realized, the central bank's stance on interest rate hikes will remain unchanged. Officials believe that if core inflation meets its target during the latter half of the three-year period starting last April, there will likely be no need to adjust the core inflation forecast.