Japan's core inflation ticked up to 1% for the first time in three and a half years in February, remaining far from the BOJ’s target of 2%.
The core inflation rose for 14 consecutive months at fastest pace since August 2014. Consumer prices excluding food and energy in February rose 0.5% in annual terms.
Earlier, the Bank of Japan's Governor Haruhiko Kuroda confirmed that the regulator plans to maintain an easing monetary policy until inflation reaches the target.
Analysts warn that tough increases in fresh food prices may affect consumer confidence and hit spending.