Japan's annual core inflation slowed to ?a ?four-year low in April due to the ?effect of subsidies on fuel and education, data showed on Friday, though analysts expect surging ?fuel costs from the Middle East war to accelerate price growth in coming months. While government measures are offsetting some of the price pressure ?from the energy shock, Bank of Japan ?policymakers are dropping hawkish comments signalling the chance of an interest rate hike in June as they focus on broadening inflation ?risks.