The Bank of Japan opted to leave rates unchanged ahead of next month's election and as markets remain volatile over concerns about fiscal policy, inflation and geopolitical tensions.

The outcome of the bank's two-day policy meeting, which ended Friday, to keep its policy rate at 0.75%, was in line with market expectations.

One board member, Hajime Takata, voted against the decision and proposed to increase rates to 1%, saying the BOJ¡¯s price target of 2% inflation has nearly been achieved and there is a risk of higher inflation.