The Bank of Japan remains optimistic about wage and price growth despite uncertainty caused by US tariff policy. Deputy Governor Shin'ichi Uchida stressed that Japan's tight labor market is likely to support wage growth, and companies may continue to raise prices to offset rising labor and transportation costs. Although the Bank of Japan kept interest rates at 0.5% during its April 30-May 1 meeting and lowered growth forecasts due to the negative impact of US tariffs on exports, it does not rule out the possibility of resuming rate hikes.Meanwhile, amid the general strengthening of the US dollar, the USD/JPY pair is trying to overcome the previously described range of 146.50-148.00. However, even in case of overcoming the level of 148.00, it is difficult to confidently talk about significant further growth. The market may face the activity of sellers in the area of 149.00 and above.