Takaichi adviser calls for caution over BOJ interest rate hikes

TOKYO, Oct 9 (Reuters) - The Bank of Japan should be cautious about raising interest rates further as Japan's gradual return to an inflationary mindset could be disrupted by any premature tightening, said Etsuro Honda, a close economic adviser to Sanae Takaichi, who is likely to become the country's next prime minister.

"Japan is at a delicate stage right now, where the long-standing deflationary mindset is gradually giving way to a more positive inflationary outlook," Etsuro Honda, who advises Takaichi on economic policy, told Reuters in an interview.

Pointing to a recent surge in Japanese stock markets driven by optimism over Takaichi's reflationary policies, Honda said: "I genuinely hope they don't raise rates now."

"Of course, it's entirely up to the BOJ," he added.