The weak yen could be a legacy of aggressive quantitative easing (QE), whereby the BoJ became the largest holder of government bonds, forcing traditional buyers overseas.
Overseas cash hoarding by Japanese affiliates is being cited as another reason for yen weakness. Superior growth opportunities outside of Japan are a reason for the lack of cash repatriation.
Japan's exporters currently face formidable competition with China, making a strong yen an unattractive option during a period of higher cost pressures, notably for labour.
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