<div id="readability-page-1">By Leika Kihara TOKYO, April 23 (Reuters) - The Bank of Japan is expected to keep interest rates steady next week but signal its readiness to hike them as soon as June, as a war-driven energy shock puts policymakers on guard against mounting inflation risks. With markets having priced out the chance of a rate increase, investors are focusing on the BOJ's quarterly outlook report and comments</div>

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<p>The Bank of Japan is anticipated to maintain steady interest rates next week while indicating a potential hike as early as June, due to inflation risks stemming from a war-driven energy shock. Investors are closely watching the BOJ's quarterly outlook report and comments, as markets have largely discounted the likelihood of an immediate rate increase.</p>

- The Bank of Japan is anticipated to maintain its interest rates in the upcoming week, while indicating potential hikes by June.  
- Policymakers are vigilant against rising inflation risks due to a war-driven energy shock.  
- Investors are now scrutinizing the BOJ's quarterly outlook report and related comments.

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Bank of Japan seen dropping hawkish signs even as it keeps rates steady