日: 2025年12月19日

1. The Bank of Japan says it will raise its benchmark interest rate to around 0.75 percent. That’s the highest level in 30 years.
2. The European Central Bank has left its key interest rate unchanged amid signs consumer price increases are likely to hold near its target. The ECB’s Governing Council on Thursday said it will keep its benchmark deposit facility rate at 2 percent.
3. A Shinto shrine in central Japan has put up a huge “hagoita” wooden paddle bearing a picture of a horse. The horse is next year’s zodiac sign.

1. The Bank of Japan kicked off its two-day policy meeting on Thursday. Policymakers are considering raising interest rates to a level not seen in 30 years. Analysts expect the central bank to raise the policy rate to around 0.75 percent. This would mark the highest level since September 1995.
2. Finland’s prime minister has apologized to countries in East Asia over online posts by the winner of the country’s beauty pageant and some members of parliament that drew accusations of racism. The development comes after this year’s Miss Finland posted a photo on a social media app of her pulling the corners of her eyes with a caption that translates as “eating with a Chinese person.” She was stripped of her crown last week following criticism that she was being discriminatory against Asians.
3. A procession of about 1,000 people dressed in traditional Japanese attire took place Wednesday in the ancient capital of Nara, western Japan. The parade is the highlight of the annual Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri, a tradition that dates back to 12th century.