The decision came as the central bank seeks to wean its economy off the long-held ultra-easy monetary policy and curb the yen's slide against the U.S. dollar.

The Bank of Japan left interest rates unchanged on Friday, but governor Kazuo Ueda said further hikes remain on the cards if the economy grows as predicted.

The Bank of Japan has opted to hold short-term interest rates, pointing to a moderate recovery in the economy but warning that “high uncertainties” remain in the outlook for activity and prices. In a widely expected decision on Friday,