Japan's Katayama stresses close US contact on yen

• Japan intervened in the market two years prior (referring to 2024) to address yen weakness when it went past 160 against the dollar.
• Ongoing communication and a bilateral agreement with the US Treasury Secretary (Scott Bessent) confirm a commitment to cooperation on currency matters.
• Japan maintains a 'free hand' for intervention, with the potential to use currency swap lines if needed, signaling strong preparedness against market volatility.

Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama discusses the government's stance on yen weakness, confirming past interventions and ongoing close cooperation with US officials. She emphasizes Japan's readiness to act against speculative moves, highlighting a bilateral agreement and the potential use of currency swap lines for intervention to maintain market stability.