January's rise was the fastest since September 1981, when fuel costs spiked due to a Middle East oil crisis and hit Japan's import-reliant economy. Core consumer inflation has now exceeded the Bank of Japan's 2% target for nine straight months, mostly reflecting persistent rises in fuel and raw material costs, the data showed. "But there are questions as to whether the rise in inflation will be sustainable, as it is still driven largely by food and fuel costs," he said. At Ueda's debut policy meeting on April 28, the BOJ will release for the first time its inflation forecasts extending to fiscal 2025. Japan's economy averted recession in the fourth quarter of last year but rebounded much less than expected as business investment slumped.

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