Japan's Core Inflation Rate Hits 3.2% In January

In January, the price of cabbage almost tripled year-on-year after last year's record summer heat (Credit: AFP)

Japanese inflation accelerated in January, further pressuring households as prices excluding fresh food rose 3.2 percent on-year, government data showed Friday.

Speculation is growing that the Bank of Japan may hike interest rates again to counter rising prices and as part of its retreat from years of aggressive monetary easing to boost the moribund Japanese economy.