Bank of Japan policy board member Toyoichi Ichi says interest rates should be raised as soon as possible

```htmlAccording to Golden Ten Data on May 14, Bank of Japan Policy Board member Toyoaki Zeng called for a prompt interest rate hike if there are no signs that the economy is in trouble. He pointed out that, due to the impact of the Iran conflict, inflation risks are showing more persistent characteristics. "If the statistical data do not show clear signs of an economic downturn, I think it would be appropriate to raise interest rates as soon as possible," Zeng said. He noted that although the rise in fuel prices caused by Middle East conflicts may be temporary, there is also a risk that this will accelerate Japan's "already continuously rising" logistics costs. "There are concerns that these factors may not be temporary shocks but represent a more persistent trend, posing a risk of pushing prices higher," Zeng said.```