**[Tokyo Inflation Accelerates Significantly, Pressure Mounts on Bank of Japan to Raise Rates]** *Jin10 Data, October 2* – The impact of certain temporary government measures has faded, leading to a sharp rise in Tokyo's core inflation indicators, further supporting the Bank of Japan's policy stance to continue raising interest rates. Data released by Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications on Friday showed that Tokyo's consumer price index (excluding fresh food) rose 2.7% year-on-year in September, exceeding economists' expectations of 2.3% and significantly accelerating from August's 1.8% increase. The market had widely anticipated this acceleration, as previous measures such as Tokyo's expanded childcare subsidies and summer water bill exemptions had suppressed inflation data. Processed food costs were the main driver of overall price increases, rising 3.6% year-on-year. Data showed that Japan's major food and beverage companies raised prices on 4,965 products last month, more than double the figure from the same period last year. Other factors contributing to the acceleration in inflation included a sharp rise in water bills, up approximately 66% year-on-year, and accommodation prices, which shifted from a 1.4% year-on-year decline in the previous month to a 4.6% increase. The significant rise in Tokyo's CPI further underscores the Bank of Japan's concerns about upward inflation risks, suggesting that underlying inflation trends may exceed its 2% target. Last month, the Bank of Japan raised interest rates for the second time in three months, marking the shortest interval since 1990, and is currently seeking to determine the appropriate timing for its next rate hike.