If downside risks to the U.S. economy materialize, the negative output gap in Japan could widen, causing a downswing in  8  economic activity and prices. If the U.S. dollar comes under downward pressure due, for example, to a decline in U.S. interest rates, this could exert downward pressure on Japan's import prices and in turn consumer prices.
Due attention should also be paid to the scenario of an upswing in prices in Japan. As I mentioned earlier, there is the possibility that flexible consumer prices will not decline.