Speculation regarding a Bank of Japan interest rate hike has intensified following comments from Governor Ueda. Reports indicate that his statement about making an "appropriate judgment" at the upcoming meeting mirrors language used by Deputy Governor Himino prior to the January rate hike. Ueda emphasized that the decision depends on incoming data. Previously, reports suggested the Japanese government accepts a December rate hike to prioritize currency stability. Speculative traders have flipped to net long Yen positions per IMM data, anticipating policy tightening. [Update 1] New reports indicate that Bank of Japan officials are actively preparing to raise interest rates at the upcoming December policy meeting, provided that economic and financial market conditions remain stable. This potential hike would push the policy rate to its highest level since 1995. While the decision remains contingent on stability, the reported preparations signal a shift in stance, reinforcing earlier forecasts of a move to normalize policy.