BREAKING: The Bank of Japan’s total assets fell -$98 billion in Q1 2026, to $4.14 trillion, the lowest since Q2 2020.
Since the Q1 2024 peak, the BoJ has reduced its balance sheet by -$590 billion, or -12.6%.
Japanese government bond holdings fell -$84 billion in Q1, the largest quarterly decline since QT began.
This brings the JGB portfolio down to $3.32 trillion, in-line with Q3 2020 levels.
Since the 2023 peak, JGB holdings have dropped -$384 billion, or -10.4%.
The BoJ also began offloading equity ETFs and J-REITs in January, a significant shift after years of aggressive purchases to support markets.
The Bank of Japan is adding to bond market pressure.
FED doing similar but both need more. Doubt it continues. https://t.co/izdDvfXv1J
— Ribeye Jim (@RibeyeJim) April 10, 2026