FX.co ★ Japan’s Core Inflation Cools to 1.6% in February, Easing from 2.0% in January

Japan’s National Core Consumer Price Index (CPI) growth slowed in February 2026, undershooting the prior month’s pace and signaling a moderation in underlying inflationary pressures. Year-over-year, core CPI rose 1.6% in February, down from 2.0% in January 2026.

Both figures are measured on an annual basis, comparing each month to the same month a year earlier. The January reading reflected a 2.0% gain over January of the previous year, while February’s 1.6% increase marks a clear step down in momentum. The latest data, updated on 23 March 2026, will be closely watched by investors and policymakers assessing how firmly inflation is settling after its recent bout above policymakers’ targets.

The softer reading may influence expectations around the future path of Japan’s monetary policy, as a cooler core inflation profile typically reduces urgency for aggressive tightening. Market participants will now look to subsequent releases to determine whether February’s slowdown represents a temporary dip or the start of a more durable easing in price pressures.