On August 27, Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino stated that policymakers must balance information gathering with timely action to avoid falling behind the curve on inflation, citing pressures from Middle East fuel costs, AI demand, and a weak yen. He noted that underlying inflation is approaching the 2 percent target and that greater attention should be paid to upside risks, while refraining from explicit signals on a September rate increase. Sources confirm his position and the content of the remarks delivered in Urawa, Japan.