Core Viewpoint - Financial consulting firm Continuum Economics predicts that the Bank of Japan will maintain its interest rate at 0.5% during the May meeting and will not change its forward guidance [1] Group 1: Economic Context - The uncertainty brought by U.S. tariffs is impacting Japan's economy, creating a dilemma for the Bank of Japan [1] - The anticipated negative impact of U.S. auto tariffs on the Japanese economy is significant [1] Group 2: Inflation and Wage Growth - Inflation continues to rise, with wage negotiations in Tokyo pushing wage expectations to grow over 5% [1] - If wage growth can quickly translate into domestic demand, the Bank of Japan may find it challenging to justify further delaying interest rate hikes [1] Group 3: Monetary Policy Implications - The Bank of Japan faces difficulties in proving that further postponement of interest rate hikes is reasonable if inflationary pressures are not cost-push [1]