[Hawkish Bank of Japan Member Calls for Further Rate Hikes, Contrasting with Dovish Prime Minister's Nominees] Jin10 News, February 26 – The most hawkish policy board member of the Bank of Japan, Takata Hajime, called for further interest rate hikes on Thursday, just a day after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi hinted at her preference to continue the accommodative monetary policy. Speaking to local business leaders in Kyoto, Takata stated, 'I believe the central bank should further adjust its policies and engage in relevant communication to make it clear that the price stability target has been largely achieved.' At a policy meeting last month, Takata surprised Bank of Japan watchers by proposing consecutive rate hikes, and this was his first public speech since then. While his call for further rate hikes on Thursday was not unexpected, it highlights the growing divide between the central bank's internal push for policy normalization and the government's stance. Previously, Takaichi had nominated two prominent supporters of accommodative policies to serve as new members of the central bank's policy board.