BANK OF JAPAN MINUTES SHOW MANY MEMBERS SAID UNDERLYING INFLATION IS NEARING 2%, REQUIRING A FOCUS ON STABILISING PRICE GROWTH AROUND THAT LEVEL RATHER THAN PUSHING UP INFLATION, WITH MANY NOTING MEDIUM- AND LONG-TERM INFLATION EXPECTATIONS RISING FOR HOUSEHOLDS AND COMPANIES AND SEVERAL EXPECTING CONSUMER GOODS PRICE INCREASES TO EXPAND FROM SUMMER ONWARD.