More from Wakatabe: Raising rates prematurely would push Japan back to recession

Further comments by BOJ deputy governor Wakatabe as he speaks in parliament

• There are merits and demerits of monetary policy change over time
• Must be mindful that damage to bank profits from prolonged low rates could accumulate
• BOJ is continuing current policy so that price expectations will rise
• Yield curve will steepen if BOJ patiently maintains current easing policy
• BOJ is doing what it needs to do in order to reach 2% inflation target
• Highly unlikely Japan will experience hyperinflation if BOJ sticks to inflation target
• BOJ has tools to both ease or tighten policy

Nothing more from Wakatabe. Mainly a repeat of the BOJ's usual comments.