A senior adviser to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has recommended that the Bank of Japan (BOJ) delay any interest rate hikes until March 2026. Goushi Kataoka, a former BOJ board member, emphasized the need for clear evidence that a proposed ¥20 trillion fiscal stimulus is effectively boosting domestic demand before adjusting rates. Japan's economy contracted in Q3, and core inflation remains below the 2% target, supporting a cautious approach. Kataoka also indicated that Prime Minister Takaichi is unlikely to pressure the BOJ at its upcoming December meeting, despite her previous criticisms of rate increases.