Japan's inflation rate cools in January, affecting central bank policy debate

Japan's core inflation rate slowed to 2.0% in January, according to government data. Producer prices also rose at a slower pace of 2.3%.

This cooling of price pressures gives the Bank of Japan (BOJ) more room to consider its next moves on monetary policy. The debate over the central bank's independence intensified after a senior member of the ruling coalition warned against political interference in BOJ decisions.