The Japanese yen strengthened past 154 per dollar on Tuesday, rebounding slightly from nine-month lows after Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama reiterated that authorities are monitoring rising volatility in foreign exchange markets with a strong sense of urgency, warning against sharp, one-sided currency moves. In March, Katayama had suggested the yen’s fair value was around 120–130 per dollar but has since retracted that view after assuming office. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Japan has yet to achieve sustainable inflation supported by wage growth, signaling caution toward further rate hikes. She told parliament that consumer inflation remains near 3% due to elevated food prices but noted the country is still “halfway” to achieving stable price growth driven by stronger wages. Last week, the Bank of Japan held rates steady, with Governor Kazuo Ueda cautioning that global trade policies could weigh on growth and corporate earnings.
