Japan spent ¥11.7 trillion ($73 billion（約12兆円）) between late April and late May to defend the yen after it fell to its weakest level against the dollar in 40 years, breaking through ¥162. The prolonged currency decline, which has unfolded over years since a peak of ¥75 in 2011, reflects structural pressures the government is now actively working to counter through market intervention.
Summaries like this, in your inbox every morning.
Sign up free →What happened
Japan's government intervened in the currency markets between late April and late May, spending ¥11.7 trillion ($73 billion（約12兆円）) to prop up the weakening yen. The yen broke through ¥162 against the dollar on Tuesday, marking its weakest level since 1986, a decline from a high of around ¥75 in 2011.
Why it matters
A weak yen makes Japanese exports more expensive for overseas buyers and erodes the purchasing power of Japanese consumers and businesses dealing in foreign currencies. The prolonged decline has prompted the government to pledge "appropriate action at any time," signaling ongoing concern about the currency's trajectory.
What to watch
The yen weakness mirrors drops in other Asian currencies following the Middle East conflict, suggesting broader regional currency pressures beyond Japan alone.
No discussion yet for this article
Get curated AI news from 200+ sources delivered daily to your inbox. Free to use.
Get Started FreeFree · takes 30 seconds · unsubscribe anytime
1 minute a day. The AI essentials.
200+ sources · Email / LINE / Slack
