ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
Currencies

Yen's lost decades: Japanese buying power sinks to near 50-year low

Loss of currency strength threatens higher costs for imports

The yen has lost value against the dollar even with prices rising faster in the U.S. than Japan.   © Reuters

TOKYO -- A measure of the yen's strength has fallen to almost its lowest level in half a century as a combination of currency weakness and stagnant prices saps its purchasing power.

The real effective exchange rate fell to 68.07 in December, according to data released Thursday by the Bank for International Settlements. The yen last hovered at such lows in 1972.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Discover the all new Nikkei Asia app

  • Take your reading anywhere with offline reading functions
  • Never miss a story with breaking news alerts
  • Customize your reading experience

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more