Tokyo – Japan’s Finance Minister Satoshi Katayama voiced concern Thursday over the yen’s rapid decline following the Bank of japan’s recent interest rate hike, signaling potential government intervention in the currency market. The yen has lost nearly 2 yen against the dollar since the BOJ’s move, prompting increased scrutiny amid fears of rising inflation and import costs for the world’s third-largest economy. Katayama’s remarks, made after a G7 meeting, underscore the government’s commitment to stabilizing the currency and preventing excessive speculation.
片山さつき財務相は１９日夜に会見し、日銀が追加利上げを決めた後の為替相場について、「一方向で急激な動きがこの半日で明らかにあるので留意している」としたうえで、「投機的な動きを含め行き過ぎた動きに対しては適切な対応を取っていきたい」と述べた。資料写真、１０月撮影（２０２５年 ロイター／Kim Kyung-Hoon）
[TOKYO, 19日 ロイター] – Japan’s Finance Minister, Satoshi Katayama, expressed concern on Thursday regarding the recent weakening of the yen, stating that “a one-sided and rapid movement has become apparent in the past few hours.” She also indicated the government is prepared to respond to excessive speculative moves in the currency market.
Katayama made the remarks following a meeting of the Group of Seven (G7) finance ministers and central bank governors. The yen has depreciated nearly 2 yen against the dollar since the Bank of Japan (BOJ) raised interest rates. This move has prompted scrutiny, as a weaker yen can fuel inflation and impact import costs.
“I think it’s a little worrisome that it’s not moving stably reflecting fundamentals,” Katayama said, referring to the yen’s recent decline. She added that the government will take “appropriate measures” against speculative and excessive movements, in line with a joint statement issued by the U.S. and Japanese finance ministers in September.
Regarding the BOJ’s decision to raise interest rates, Katayama stated, “I assess that it was made based on the trends and outlook for wages and prices, for the sustainable and stable achievement of the 2 percent price stability target.”
The Finance Minister also emphasized the importance of close collaboration between the government and the BOJ, stating she expects “appropriate monetary policy operations” to achieve the 2 percent inflation target with rising wages, taking into account economic, price, and financial conditions.
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