The Bank of Japan on Monday raised its assessment of all regions for the first time since last July, citing a pickup in the global economy and resilient domestic demand, following its unprecedented easing measures.
The central bank became more upbeat about all nine regions, it said in its so-called quarterly Sakura Report.
The upgrades highlight new BOJ Gov. Haruhiko Kuroda's confidence in the economy as household and company sentiment improve on a weakening yen and rising stocks and profits. The bank may raise its inflation outlook later this month, sources said last week.