According to CoinMeta, inflation in Tokyo has accelerated for the second consecutive month, suggesting that the Bank of Japan (BOJ) may raise interest rates again in the coming months, despite the market's general expectation that it will remain unchanged today (the 31st). Data released by Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications on Friday showed that Tokyo's core CPI rose by 1.9% year-on-year in July, higher than the market's forecast of 1.8%. The “core-core CPI” index, which excludes fresh food and energy, rose by 2%, and the overall CPI also increased by 2%. The narrowing decline in electricity and natural gas costs, combined with steady increases in the prices of processed foods, contributed to the rise in the index. Influenced by government measures, the decline in gasoline prices has expanded. The chief economist at the Agricultural and Forestry Central Bank Research Institute stated, “Due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East, I believe that prices—especially those related to energy—will continue to rise, and the costs of food and other items will also increase further. Therefore, starting from this autumn, inflation may remain above 2%.”