Japan maintains an open stance toward implementing measures to address concerning fluctuations in its currency, as the Japanese yen experienced a notable decline against the U.S. dollar, reaching its lowest point in almost 34 years, according to statements from the nation’s top currency official on Thursday.
Masato Kanda, serving as the vice finance minister for international affairs, conveyed these remarks following the yen’s dip below 153 against the U.S. dollar during currency trading earlier in the day, marking a threshold unseen since June 1990. The yen’s descent has sparked speculation regarding potential intervention by Japanese authorities to bolster its value.
Kanda acknowledged the rapid decline of the yen, highlighting the potential adverse effects of significant currency movements on the economy. However, he abstained from specifying whether a daily fluctuation of one yen would be considered excessive, a criterion that could prompt a new round of market intervention.
In October 2022, Japanese authorities took action by selling U.S. dollars and acquiring yen when the dollar approached the 152-yen mark. Analysts within Japan have since indicated that the escalation to over 153 yen against the dollar has heightened expectations for potential foreign exchange interventions in the near future.