[ING: Inflation May Reshape the Bank of Japan's Rate Hike Plans] Jin10 Data, January 22 – Japan's CPI data will be released ahead of Friday's rate decision, and it is expected to show a significant decline in December's inflation rate. Analysts at ING stated that if inflation eases, it may prompt the Bank of Japan to reassess its future rate hike plans. 'Strong wage growth and government support measures will keep the core inflation rate above 2%. Once the Bank of Japan confirms that the core inflation rate will consistently remain above 2% and higher than the overall inflation rate, it is likely to take further action sometime in the second half of 2026.'