Japan's core inflation cooled to 3.3% in June, coming down from a 29-month high of 3.7% as rice inflation showed signs of easing. The figure — which strips out costs for fresh food — was in line with the 3.3% expected by economists polled by Reuters. Headline inflation in the country dropped to 3.3%, coming down from 3.5% in May.

A slight easing in consumer inflation is welcome news for the Japanese central bank, but stubbornly high food prices will be of concern for policymakers.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba was clinging on Monday even after his coalition disastrously lost its upper house majority, as painful new US tariffs loom.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Monday stressed the need to establish a common understanding among parties on the pros and cons of cutting the country's sales tax rate.

Voters angry at inflation turned to other parties, notably the "Japanese first" Sanseito, which made strong gains with its "anti-globalist" drive reminiscent of US President Donald Trump's agenda.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba clung on Monday even after his coalition suffered what he called an "extremely regrettable" election result, as painful new US tariffs loom.

Japan's core inflation slowed in June but stayed above the central bank's 2% target for well over three years, highlighting lingering price pressures that back market expectations for further interest rate rises.

TOKYO] Japan’s key price measure cooled a tad more than expected while remaining well above the Bank of Japan’s (BOJ) target, keeping pressure on Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to mollify voters as he heads into Sunday’s (Jul 20) national election.

Japan’s inability to lift inflation is “one of the biggest unsolved challenges in the profession,” said Mark Gertler, a professor of economics at New York University who has studied the issue.

Japanese voters head to polls in a crucial upper house election amidst concerns over inflation and immigration. The Liberal Democratic Party, led by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, risks losing control,