Japan’s 10-year government bond yield climbed to around 2.44% on Friday, reaching a more than one-week high as inflation data showed renewed upward pressure driven by higher energy costs linked to the Iran conflict. Core inflation accelerated for the first time in five months, rising to 1.8% in March from 1.6% in February, while headline inflation edged up to 1.5% from 1.3%. Despite the increase, both readings remained below the Bank of Japan’s 2% target, offering little justification for an imminent policy shift. The BOJ is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged at its upcoming meeting as policymakers assess heightened geopolitical uncertainty. Stalled US-Iran peace efforts and ongoing blockades in the Strait of Hormuz continue to amplify inflationary pressures and raise concerns over global growth. Rising energy prices stemming from the Iran conflict have also weighed on Japanese assets, reflecting the country’s heavy reliance on imported oil from the Middle East.
