Economic Buzz: Japan inflation edges up to 1.5% in May

Japan?s annual inflation rate rose to 1.5% in May 2026 from 1.4% in April, supported by higher transport, housing, and household costs as government energy subsidies faded. Food inflation remained steady at 3.5%, with rice prices falling for the first time since late 2022. Core inflation held at 1.4%, remaining below the Bank of Japan?s 2% target for a fourth straight month, while monthly consumer prices increased 0.4%, up from 0.1% in April.

Powered by Commodity Insights