Japans service-sector inflation reached 2.9% year-on-year in December, driven by rising costs in accommodation and transportation, according to Bank of Japan (BOJ) data. While slightly lower than Novembers 3.

Japan's core consumer price index—which includes gasoline prices but does not include fresh food—rose 3% annually in December, reaching its highest level since August 2023, up from 2.7% in November and matching consensus.

Japan’s consumer price growth picked up in December, adding to evidence of steady inflation just hours before the central bank announces its rate decision.