Lawmakers reacted in bafflement when the news spread like wildfire on Feb. 10 through political and financial circles that economist Kazuo Ueda would be named the next Bank of Japan governor.

In tightening policy in July, Ueda said the BOJ would raise rates further if inflation remains on track to durably hit its 2% target in coming years, as the board projects.

Feyenoord's Ayase Ueda (top) vies for the ball during the second half of a Champions League round of 16 first-leg match against Inter Milan atDe Kuip in Rotterdam on March 5, 2025. (Kyodo ...