Japan picks reflationists for BOJ board, echoing Takaichi’s policy view

Bank of Japan

While central bank tightens monetary policy, prime minister hopes to keep rates low

Toichiro Asada, professor emeritus at Chuo University, left, and Ayano Sato, a professor at Aoyama Gakuin University, have been nominated to the Bank of Japan’s policy board. (Source photos by Kyodo and Takasaki City University of Economics)

JUNTARO ARAI and RYUTO IMAO

February 26, 2026 02:20 JST

TOKYO — The Japanese government on Wednesday nominated two academics who have advocated monetary easing and fiscal stimulus to the Bank of Japan’s policy board, reflecting Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s preference for low interest rates.