Japan core inflation accelerates, rice prices soar 98pc

TOKYO, May 23 (AFP) : Japan's core inflation rate accelerated in April to 3.5 percent as rice prices almost doubled year-on-year, official data showed Friday.

The consumer price reading excluding fresh food, up from 3.2 percent the previous month, was slightly above the market forecast and will likely cement expectations that the Bank of Japan will increase interest rates.

Excluding energy as well, prices rose 3.0 percent compared to 2.9 percent in March, according to the internal affairs ministry.

Overall unadjusted inflation was 3.6 percent, the same level as in March.