TOKYO (AFP) - The Bank of Japan on Tuesday struck a more pessimistic tone on its view of the world's number three economy, but it held off launching fresh monetary easing measures after a two-day meeting.

The decision was widely expected so markets will turn their focus to BoJ governor Haruhiko Kuroda's post-meeting comments, amid growing speculation that the slowing economy will eventually force the BoJ's hand on launching more stimulus.