Mizuho Executive Predicts Bank of Japan Could Raise Rates Three Times This Year Starting in March
Mizuho predicts the Bank of Japan could raise rates three times this year starting in March. Persistent inflation and yen weakness are driving these changes.
Insights:
A markets executive at Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. stated on February 12, 2026, that the Bank of Japan could raise its policy interest rate as early as March and deliver up to three hikes in 2026. Kenya Koshimizu, the executive at the firm, indicated that such prospective moves would represent a significant change in the monetary stance of Japan 
JP. These comments link observed persistent inflation and yen weakness to a possible acceleration of tightening by the Bank of Japan following its rate increase in December.
JP. These comments link observed persistent inflation and yen weakness to a possible acceleration of tightening by the Bank of Japan following its rate increase in December.
