Japan inflation eases in welcome news for PM TakaichiTOKYO, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Japanese inflation slowed in January, government data showed Friday, in welcome news for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi after her recent election landslide win. Also stripping out energy prices, inflation mellowed to 2.6 percent from 2.9 percent, while headline unadjusted inflation was 1.5 percent, down from 2.1 percent. In the address, Takaichi will likely repeat her campaign pledge to suspend consumption tax on food for two years to help households cope with inflation. "The international situation surrounding Japan and its security environment are growing increasingly severe," Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Thursday. In addition it would cover the capacity of nations in the region to safeguard maritime security, Motegi said.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha February 20, 2026 03:45 UTC