According to Odaily Planet Daily, Nikko Securities economist Yoshimasa Maruyama said that U.S. Treasury Secretary Benson's comments that the Bank of Japan is slow to act on inflation are unlikely to affect the Bank of Japan's stance. Maruyama said: "This is different from the calls for a rate hike earlier this spring, which were driven by exchange rate factors. The key focus remains on when the Bank of Japan will approve further rate hikes after assessing the impact of tariffs." Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda has said that he believes there is little risk that Japan will be slow to act on inflation, while also maintaining his position of seeking further rate hikes. (Jinshi)