the yen

Japan has begun scaling back its era of ultra-cheap money, tightening monetary policy in an effort to shore up the yen, with the coverage pointing to support or pressure from the United States. The move marks a partial end to years of loose policy that kept borrowing costs near zero. Commentators are weighing how far Tokyo will go and what US involvement means for currency markets.

US 10-year Treasury yields have climbed into 5% territory, a level not seen in years, prompting renewed concern across equity markets. A Japanese commentary highlights a rare combination of interest rate hikes in both Japan and the United States — the first US hike in over three years — and its knock-on effects: a stronger yen pressuring tech-heavy indices like the Nasdaq 100 and FANG+ stocks.

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, the Japanese maker at the center of a supplement contamination scandal linked to suspected deaths, is reportedly considering a buyout offer valued at more than ¥500 billion. The possible deal comes as the company continues to face fallout from the scandal, which damaged its reputation and finances.

Former BitMEX chief executive Arthur Hayes says Bitcoin could climb to $1 million, citing Japan's fresh stimulus measures as a catalyst. He argues that renewed monetary expansion by the Bank of Japan will weaken the yen and push investors toward hard assets, with Bitcoin a prime beneficiary. His forecast is circulating widely among crypto market watchers, many of whom treat his bold price calls as a barometer of speculative sentiment.

NTT Docomo will raise the monthly price of its ahamo mobile service from December, with the increase limited to 165 yen. Legacy OCN Mobile ONE plans are also affected. The small size of the hike is being read as an attempt to keep the budget brand competitive against rival carriers, as Japanese operators weigh price changes amid pressure on mobile fees.