Bank of Japan member advocates timely rate hike: media

TOKYO, June 19 (Xinhua) -- A key policymaker from the Japanese central bank emphasized the importance of raising interest rates "in a timely and appropriate manner," as the central bank edges closer to achieving its inflation target, local media reported.

One Bank of Japan (BOJ) member underscored the necessity of a timely and appropriate rate hike in response to the increasing likelihood of meeting the economic and price outlook, Jiji Press reported, citing the minutes of BOJ's April meeting released on Wednesday.