Analysts say a fundamental split between US Treasury Secretary Bessent and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi on Bank of Japan policy could weaken recent US-Japan efforts to push the yen higher. Over the past year Bessent has signalled tighter monetary policy is crucial to addressing yen weakness; Takaichi has warned rapid, large rate increases could derail Japan's recovery. Since Takaichi took office in October the BOJ has hiked twice but the policy rate remains low at 1%. Last month the US carri

Analysts say a fundamental split between US Treasury Secretary Bessent and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi on Bank of Japan policy could weaken recent US-Japan efforts to push the yen higher. Over the past year Bessent has signalled tighter monetary policy is crucial to addressing yen weakness; Takaichi has warned rapid, large rate increases could derail Japan's recovery. Since Takaichi took office in October the BOJ has hiked twice but the policy rate remains low at 1%. Last month the US carried out its first yen intervention since 1998 while the BOJ stood pat — a mixed policy signal that contrasts with historical experience that reshaping market expectations typically requires sustained, forceful action. Peter Vassallo, portfolio manager at BNP Paribas Asset Management US, called the episode a "golden opportunity" missed.