[Tokyo Inflation Slows Again, BOJ Rate Hike Path Faces Uncertainty] Jin10 Data, May 29 – Tokyo's key inflation indicator for May unexpectedly slowed to its lowest level in four years, complicating policy communication for Bank of Japan policymakers, who may attempt to justify a rate hike as early as next month. Data released by Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications on Friday showed that Tokyo's core CPI annual rate for May came in at 1.3%, marking the sixth consecutive month of deceleration and falling below both the previous value and market expectations of 1.5%. Meanwhile, the core-core CPI, which excludes fresh food and energy and is closely monitored by the BOJ as a fundamental inflation gauge, rose by 1.6%. This indicator is considered a "cleaner" reflection of price trends, as it removes distortions related to subsidies and the base effect of last year's unprecedented surge in food prices.