Core consumer inflation in Japan's capital stayed above the central bank's target and accelerated in March on steady gains in food costs, data showed on Friday, keeping alive market expectations of a near-term interest rate hike. Service-sector inflation also perked up as rent prices rose ahead of the April start of Japan's new fiscal year, backing up the Bank of Japan's view that price pressures were broadening. The data will be among key factors the BOJ will scrutinise at its next policy meeting on April 30-May 1, when the board is set to issue fresh quarterly growth and price forecasts.