TOKYO—Tokyo is concerned about sharp falls in the yen currency and stands ready to “respond appropriately” if needed, Japan’s top government spokesperson said on Monday, issuing a fresh warning to markets.
The remark echoed Friday’s joint statement by the government and central bank, but failed to avert a plunge in the yen to 135.22 against the dollar, the currency’s lowest level since October 1998.
“It’s important that currency rates move in a stable way, reflecting fundamentals. But there have recently been sharp yen declines, which we are concerned about,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told a regular news conference….