The Bank of Japan (BOJ) concluded its December 2025 Monetary Policy Meeting with a move that marks a definitive turning point in the nation’s long economic journey. In a unanimous decision, Governor Kazuo Ueda and his policy board raised the short-term interest rate to 0.75%, up from the previous 0.5%. This isn't just an incremental adjustment; it represents the highest interest rate level Japan has seen since 1995. While central banks across the West are beginning to ease th