TOKYO—Consumer inflation in Tokyo slowed below the Bank of Japan’s 2% target but expectations for near-term rate increases remain high, especially given the yen’s renewed weakness. The consumer price index for the Tokyo metropolitan area rose 1.

Tokyo’s core inflation is expected to come in at 1.7%, down from September’s 2%. The capital’s inflation is considered a leading indicator of nationwide trends.

Inflation in Tokyo slowed below 2% for the first time in five months largely due to energy prices, as the country heads into a general election and the Bank of Japan mulls data for its policy decision next week.

By Makiko Yamazaki TOKYO (Reuters) -Core inflation in Japan's capital in October dipped below the central bank's 2% target for the first time in five months, data showed on Friday, potentially complicating the central bank's quest to raise interest rates further.