INTERVIEW: BOJ's Sato backs gradual rate hikes despite opposing Sept. increase

TOKYO - Bank of Japan policy board member Ayano Sato said she supports gradually raising the central bank's policy interest rate, signaling openness to further hikes.

Sato, one of two board members who opposed a rate hike at the BOJ's September policy meeting, said in a recent interview with Kyodo News she is concerned consumer spending could weaken but declined to comment on the timing of the next rate hike.