Japan's core inflation eased in December but continues to hover above the Bank of Japan's 2% target. The slowdown suggests disinflationary pressures are building, yet persistent price growth remains a headwind for policymakers. This development could influence BOJ's rate-hiking timeline and shape global macro sentiment. For crypto markets, such persistent inflation in major economies keeps risk asset flows under pressure, especially as central banks navigate the balance between supporting growth and controlling price expectations. The data underscores why macro trends matter—when traditional inflation fights drag on, alternative assets often reflect broader economic uncertainty.