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Japan has emphasized the need for countries to be cautious of excessive volatility in the currency market at the Group of 20 (G-20) meeting. The Vice Finance Minister for International Affairs, Masato Kanda, stated that excessive volatility and disorderly movements in exchange rates can negatively impact economic and financial stability. Japan also expressed concerns about the risk of prolonged high interest rates in some countries, which could harm the real economy and destabilize financial and capital markets. The Bank of Japan's upcoming policy decision and the Federal Reserve's meeting were also mentioned in relation to interest rates. [Extracted from the article]

Japan's finance minister, Shunichi Suzuki, has cautioned Digital Minister Kono Taro to be more careful when discussing currencies, as Kono's comments were seen as contributing to the strengthening of the yen against the dollar. Suzuki emphasized the potential impact of remarks on the market and stated that he refrains from commenting on foreign exchange levels to avoid influencing the market. Kono's outspokenness has garnered support from the public but has made him less popular with other ruling party lawmakers. Japan's authorities have generally provided little information on intervention in currency markets, making Kono's remarks stand out. [Extracted from the article]

Japan is experiencing an unprecedented surge in tourism due to the yen's historic collapse and the post-pandemic increase in global tourism. In the first five months of this year, over 14.5 million people visited Japan, a 70% increase compared to the same period last year. The weak yen has made Japan an affordable travel destination, attracting tourists from around the world. The country is on track to surpass its 2019 record of 31 million visitors, with a projected 34 million visitors this year. However, Japanese travelers have been discouraged from going abroad due to a lack of purchasing power. Tourists are spending more money in Japan, with a record ¥1.75 trillion spent in the first quarter of the year. Hotel prices in Japan have risen but are still cheaper than global peers. The increase in tourists has put a strain on local transport and infrastructure. Overall, this is an opportune time for travelers to visit Japan. [Extracted from the article]

Japan has appointed Atsushi Mimura as its new vice finance minister for international affairs, replacing Masato Kanda. Mimura's role will involve managing the yen and advocating for a stable currency that reflects economic fundamentals. The yen has recently reached its weakest levels in almost four decades, causing concerns about cost-push inflationary pressure through imports. Mimura will also face financial challenges related to ongoing global conflicts, debt, and economic security. The personnel changes are part of a normal rotation and are not expected to change the country's broad currency policies. [Extracted from the article]

The US Treasury Department has added Japan to its "monitoring list" for foreign-exchange practices, but did not label it or any other trade partner as a currency manipulator. The Treasury criticized Tokyo's large bilateral trade and current account surpluses, while acknowledging that Japan intervened to support the yen earlier this year. The other countries on the monitoring list remained unchanged from the previous report: China, Germany, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The report also called for greater transparency in China's exchange-rate policy and flagged anomalies in its current account data. [Extracted from the article]

Japan's holdings of foreign securities decreased by $50.4 billion in May, suggesting that the government may have sold securities, including Treasuries, to finance its recent currency market intervention. The country's foreign deposits increased slightly to $159 billion, while total reserves decreased to $1.23 trillion. The finance ministry spent a record ¥9.8 trillion ($62.7 billion) in the past month to support the yen, but did not provide specific details on how it obtained the dollars it sold to purchase yen. [Extracted from the article]

The Japanese yen has reached its weakest level against the British pound in almost 16 years, causing concern for policymakers. This depreciation is due to traders betting on a stronger pound, as they believe UK interest rates will remain higher than those of other countries. The yen has the lowest interest rate in the world and has fallen against all other developed economies. Despite the Bank of Japan raising interest rates once and planning to do so again, investors believe that monetary policy is still too loose to stop the yen's decline. [Extracted from the article]

Japan's top currency official, Masato Kanda, has stated that appropriate measures will be taken in response to excessive currency movements that harm the economy. This comes after the yen reached its lowest level in three weeks, potentially due to speculative trading. Kanda emphasized that while it is desirable for intervention to be rare, Japan will continue to take action as needed. The yen experienced a slight increase following Kanda's comments. [Extracted from the article]

Japan's economy is experiencing a turning point, with rising prices, wages, and stock market, as well as the first increase in interest rates in 17 years. However, the Bank of Japan is cautious about this change and has kept the yen weak to prevent it from dropping too sharply. The weak yen is due to the difference in interest rates between Japan and the US, making US assets more attractive to global investors. Japan's changing economy is also affecting inflation, the social contract, and tourism. While big exporters are benefiting from the weak yen, domestically focused firms and imported materials are suffering. The weak yen is also prompting Japanese manufacturers to reconsider domestic production and attracting foreign businesses. However, Japan's high debt, aging population, and geopolitical factors are putting strain on the yen. Traders and investors are also playing a role in the yen's movement, with the carry trade being a popular strategy. The weakness of the yen has implications for Japan's global trading partners, including the US and neighboring countries. [Extracted from the article]

Japan's trade deficit increased in April due to the weak yen, which boosted the value of imports. Imports rose by 8.3% compared to the previous year, while exports increased by the same percentage. The weak yen has helped exporters but has also driven up costs of imports, impacting the economy. The US and China saw an increase in exports from Japan, while exports to Europe fell. The weak yen has become a concern for policymakers as it may lead to cost-push inflation and hinder consumption. The Japanese economy is expected to rebound in the second quarter, but there are concerns about stagflation. [Extracted from the article]

According to Brad Setser, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, the Japanese government stands to make significant profits if they intervened in currency markets by selling dollars and buying yen. This is because Japan holds a large amount of foreign currency-denominated assets that were purchased when the yen was stronger. Setser explains that the Japanese authorities followed a basic investment strategy of buying low and selling high. It is believed that Japan conducted its first currency intervention since 2022 to support the yen, and it is estimated that they spent around $35 billion on this intervention. [Extracted from the article]

According to an analysis of central bank accounts, Japan likely intervened in the currency market on Monday to support the yen. The Bank of Japan (BOJ) reported a projected decrease in its current account balance that was significantly larger than private money brokers' estimates, suggesting intervention of about ¥5.5 trillion took place. The yen had rapidly depreciated to beyond 160 per dollar on Monday, prompting speculation of intervention. However, the Ministry of Finance has not confirmed whether intervention occurred. [Extracted from the article]

Currency traders are warning that Japan's government will need to take repeated action to support the yen, as economic forces suggest further depreciation. The yen has weakened by around 10% against the US dollar this year, reaching a 34-year low. However, any intervention by the Japanese government may need to be sustained, especially as the Federal Reserve is expected to maintain higher interest rates, making the dollar more attractive. Analysts predict that the yen will continue to trade in a range of 155 to 160 per dollar. [Extracted from the article]

The yen has experienced a significant decline, prompting speculation about when Japanese authorities will intervene to support the currency. The yen fell below 160 per dollar for the first time since 1990, and policymakers have warned that excessive depreciation will not be tolerated. However, intervention may be challenging due to the wide interest rate gap between Japan and other countries. While a weaker yen has benefits for Japan, traders are positioning themselves against intervention. [Extracted from the article]

The yen has experienced a significant decline against the dollar, prompting traders to question when Japanese authorities will intervene to support the currency. The Bank of Japan's indication that financial conditions will remain easy has contributed to the yen's losses. While policymakers have warned against excessive depreciation, intervention may be challenging due to the wide interest rate gap between Japan and other countries. Some experts believe that a weaker yen may not necessarily be detrimental to Japan, as it is not causing inflation issues and is increasing the value of overseas assets held by Japanese investors. Traders are positioning themselves against intervention, but may plan to buy dollar-yen at lower levels if officials do intervene. [Extracted from the article]

According to Mitsuhiro Furusawa, a former vice minister of finance for international affairs in Japan, the country is on the verge of intervening in the currency market if the yen weakens further against the dollar. Furusawa believes that if the trend continues, intervention is imminent, citing market reactions to US data and a joint statement between Japan, the US, and South Korea as factors that may prompt Japanese authorities to act. The yen is currently close to a 34-year low against the dollar, and Japan's finance minister has stated that they are prepared to take action. [Extracted from the article]

According to Mitsuhiro Furusawa, a former top currency official in Japan, the country is on the verge of intervening in the currency market if the yen continues to weaken against the dollar. Furusawa believes that the recent depreciation of the yen is due to the rate differential between Japan and the US. He expects Japanese authorities to take action before the yen reaches 160 yen to the dollar. Last week, Japan, the US, and South Korea issued a joint statement acknowledging concerns over the depreciation of their currencies. However, the statement does not give Japan a complete go-ahead to intervene. [Extracted from the article]

Japanese Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki has stated that the value of the yen is influenced by various factors beyond just the interest rate gap with the US. These factors include economic conditions, market sentiment, and speculation. Suzuki did not discuss currencies at the recent G-20 meeting, but Japan has been in close communication with other countries regarding foreign exchange. The yen's weakness has raised concerns, and Japan has urged its G-7 peers to reaffirm their commitments on foreign exchange. The Bank of Japan has also noted that the weaker yen could impact inflation and may lead to a change in monetary policy. [Extracted from the article]

Japan's top currency official, Masato Kanda, has warned that authorities are prepared to consider all options for the foreign exchange market after the yen fell to its lowest level against the dollar since 1990. The yen's decline was triggered by stronger-than-expected US inflation data, which pushed back expectations for rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Japanese officials have stated that they are not defending specific yen levels but are monitoring for excessive movements in the market. Japan intervened in the market three times in 2022 to support the yen, spending over $60 billion in the process. [Extracted from the article]

Japan's top currency officials have stated that they are prepared to consider all options for the foreign exchange market and respond to any event after the yen fell to its lowest level against the dollar since 1990. The decline in the yen was influenced by stronger-than-expected US inflation data, which pushed back expectations for rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Japanese officials have emphasized that they are not defending specific yen levels but are monitoring excessive movements in the market. While intervention may occur, it is unlikely to be a game changer as the yen's movements are driven by market bets for Fed rate cuts. [Extracted from the article]

Japan's top currency official, Masato Kanda, has stated that authorities are prepared to consider all options for the foreign exchange market and are ready to respond to any event. This comes after the yen fell to its lowest level against the dollar since 1990. Kanda mentioned that the benefits of a weak yen are decreasing and that recent market movements have been rapid. The yen's decline was influenced by faster-than-expected inflation in the US, which pushed back expectations for rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. [Extracted from the article]

Japanese retail investors are betting that the government will intervene to push up the yen, which is currently trading near a 34-year low. They believe that the currency could strengthen by as much as 5 yen against the dollar if intervention occurs. This is in contrast to professional asset managers who have record short positions on the yen. The Bank of Japan reports that Japan accounts for nearly 30% of global currency trading by retail investors. [Extracted from the article]

Japan is considering intervening in the currency market as the yen reaches its lowest level against the dollar in 34 years. Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki and top currency official Masato Kanda have both indicated that Japan is prepared to take action. The Bank of Japan's recent interest rate hike has not had the desired effect on the yen, leaving policymakers with limited options. The weakening yen could increase the cost of living for Japanese households. [Extracted from the article]

The yen strengthened for the first time in eight days as investors assessed the outlook for interest rates in Japan and the US. The Japanese currency rebounded after the Federal Reserve maintained its outlook for three interest rate cuts this year and Chair Jerome Powell suggested a dialing back of policy restraint. Investors are speculating that the Bank of Japan (BOJ) may hike rates in July or October, with swap markets indicating a 51% chance of a hike by the July meeting. The BOJ recently ended the world's last negative interest rate and emphasized the importance of accommodative financial conditions. [Extracted from the article]

According to Simon Harvey, head of FX analysis at Monex Europe Ltd, Japan's recent monetary policy changes have given it more ability to defend the weakening yen. While the value of the yen is still influenced by US yields, Japan now has more flexibility to adjust its government bond yields, which allows policymakers to effectively guide expectations and support the yen. The yen has recently dropped against the dollar, and Japan's finance minister and top currency official have indicated that they are prepared to take action if necessary. In 2022, Japan intervened to support its currency for the first time since 1998. [Extracted from the article]

The yen has been performing poorly compared to other major currencies, leading to speculation that Japanese authorities may intervene to defend it. The yen has weakened by about 4.8% against the dollar this year, and is close to reaching 150 yen to the dollar. While there is no immediate indication of intervention, analysts believe that if the dollar-yen exchange rate exceeds 150, the authorities may intensify their warnings. Factors contributing to the yen's weakness include a recent earthquake in Japan and strong US economic data. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the threat posed by the appreciation of the yen against the U.S. dollar on export growth, the primary engine of economic growth in Japan, in 1986. Apart from its clear implications on international trade and U.S.-Japan relations, the soaring yen has also become a catalyst for even greater social and political change in Japan. INSET: A TALK WITH TAKESHITA: 'I AM WORRIED ABOUT….

This section offers news briefs on overseas businesses. Germany won a six-month moratorium on its foreign debts except the Young and Dawes loans. Italy restricts foreign exchange and focuses attention in strengthening its gold trade. Japan expands its trading with Chile with the import of the latter's wool and possibly lumber, and considerably increases its nitrate import.

The yen's recent rebound from a 33-year low against the dollar has drawn attention to the increased pressure it faces from other major currencies. It reached a 15-year low against the euro, a record low against the Swiss franc, and experienced a drop against all other Group-of-10 currencies. Bloomberg's measure of the yen's relative strength against its G-10 peers is at its lowest level since 2007. The yen's rally against the dollar on Tuesday, driven by US inflation data suggesting the Federal Reserve may not need to raise interest rates further, did not reflect any change in Japan's economic conditions. The yen remains the most bearish major currency due to better economic conditions in Europe and the US compared to Japan, where there have been no rate hikes. The yield gap between Japan and European nations is expected to remain wide, as the European Central Bank is unlikely to cut rates until late next year. The recent data showing a contraction in Japan's GDP in the third quarter adds to the pressure on the yen. Germany's economy is projected to surpass Japan's as the world's third-largest, aided by the yen's decline against the dollar and the euro. The soft GDP print in Japan suggests that the Bank of Japan may need to maintain negative rates for longer than expected, which is bearish for the yen. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- Japan's chief currency official fired a warning shot to market watchers after the yen breached a fresh year-to-date low against the dollar overnight. The currency move followed the Bank of Japan's decision Tuesday to further loosen its grip on 10-year yields. Read More: Post-BOJ Yen Weakness Triggers Step Up in Verbal Intervention The warning comes after the yen breached the 151 level against the dollar overnight. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- Japan's chief currency official fired a warning shot to market watchers after the yen breached a fresh year-to-date low against the dollar overnight. The yen breached the 151 level against the dollar overnight, following the Bank of Japan's decision Tuesday to further loosen its grip on 10-year yields while sticking with its negative short-term interest rate. [Extracted from the article]

But the BOJ's projections for its balance on Thursday were in line with forecasts, suggesting Japan didn't step into markets after the yen weakend past 150 per dollar. During last year's massive yen buying operations, there were noticeable discrepancies in Bank of Japan current account figures compared with private money broker estimates of government fund flows. (Bloomberg) -- Japan likely refrained from intervening in the currency market to prop up the yen earlier this week, according to an analysis of central bank accounts. [Extracted from the article]

Excessive moves in the yen are undesirable and have an impact on businesses and households, Kanda said, adding that he won't rule out any options regarding foreign exchange. (Bloomberg) -- Japan's top currency official declined to say whether Tokyo stepped into markets Tuesday amid speculation of intervention after sharp moves in the yen against the dollar. [Extracted from the article]

The yawning interest-rate gap between Japan and the US has been a key factor in yen weakness, making the higher-yielding dollar more appealing. (Bloomberg) -- Japan's top currency official Masato Kanda said Wednesday that he keeps in extremely close contact with his counterparts in the US on a regular basis, and both sides agree that excessive currency moves are unwelcome. A year ago Japanese authorities conducted the first yen-buying operations since 1998 as the yen continued to slide, temporarily putting a floor under the currency before it hit a multi-decade low of 151.95 per dollar in October. [Extracted from the article]

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said earlier that any intervention by Japan to prop up the yen would be understandable if it were aimed at smoothing out volatility - not at affecting the level of the exchange rate. (Bloomberg) -- Japan's top currency official Masato Kanda said Wednesday that he keeps in extremely close contact with his counterparts in the US on a regular basis, and both sides agree that excessive currency moves are unwelcome. Kanda made the comments after the yen weakened overnight to levels near the lowest since November, as the dollar touched 147.92 yen. [Extracted from the article]

Top Holdings Toyota Motor Corp. is the fund's top Japanese holding, despite McQueen's concerns about the yen. (Bloomberg) -- A top-performing Japan stock picker has cautioned against too much reliance on the weak yen propping up exporters profits. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- A top-performing Japan stock picker has cautioned against too much reliance on the weak yen propping up exporters profits. The fund has also outperformed its benchmark with picks such as drugstore chain operator MatsukiyoCocokara & Co., with McQueen expecting more tourists to come to Japan and sector consolidation to benefit the shares, which have already risen almost 50% in 2023. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- Authorities in China and Japan are stepping up efforts to defend their currencies against a surging dollar that threatens to fan inflationary pressures. What's Remarkable About the Dollar Is Positioning: Trader Talk The yen and yuan are among the worst performers among Asian currencies this year. [Extracted from the article]