The Bank of Japan is taking unusual steps to show it is working to improve communication, which could raise market expectations for a rate hike next month, according to Jinshi Data. Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino will give a speech to local business leaders and hold a press conference in Yokohama on January 14. This move is the first since 2013 and provides an opportunity to convey monetary policy views before the first policy meeting of the year. More and more economists expect the Bank of Japan's borrowing costs to rise.