The Japanese yen firmed around 155 per dollar on Friday and was on track for a second consecutive weekly advance, supported by speculation that the Bank of Japan will raise interest rates later this month. Key members of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government reportedly would not oppose the central bank if it decides to hike rates in December, although some senior officials remain cautious about the timing. Markets are pricing in a move this month, with 1–2 more rate increases seen next year. Expectations were reinforced after BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda expressed confidence in Japan’s economic outlook and said the central bank would carefully weigh the pros and cons of a rate hike and act appropriately. Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama also said this week that she expects the central bank to conduct policy in a way that achieves its 2% inflation target using its own specific methods.