[Sources: Bank of Japan Considering Rate Hike in June, Potential Further Increase in 2026] BlockBeats News, June 4 – According to informed sources, Bank of Japan officials plan to review raising the benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points this month and assess the possibility of further rate hikes later this year. Sources indicate that during the monetary policy meeting concluding on June 16, the Bank of Japan is highly likely to discuss raising the policy rate to 1%. Officials believe that the current real interest rate remains low and that the risks of rising inflation persist, leaving room for additional rate hikes in the future. Due to the high uncertainty surrounding the Middle East situation, central bank officials will continue to evaluate various data and information until the last moment before finalizing their decision. The report suggests that there may be some opposition to the rate hike during the policy meeting, but it is unlikely to alter the decision to proceed with the increase. Another key topic of this meeting will be the Bank of Japan's latest plan to reduce bond purchases. According to sources, officials are inclined to slow down the current pace of bond reduction starting in April next year.