The Japanese yen weakened toward 153 per dollar on Friday and was on track to lose about 1.5% for the week, even as core inflation in Japan accelerated in September for the first time since May. Both headline and core inflation rose to 2.9% from 2.7% in August, driven mainly by higher electricity prices. Meanwhile, rice inflation, which had surged earlier this year, eased sharply to 49.2% from 69.7%. The data comes ahead of the Bank of Japan’s policy meeting next week, where the central bank is expected to keep rates unchanged. Markets have postponed expectations for the next rate hike to December at the earliest, with most anticipating it early next year. Separately, speculation is mounting that new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will unveil a major stimulus package as soon as next month, with reports suggesting it could surpass last year’s 13.9 trillion yen program aimed at easing inflationary pressures on households.