The Japanese yen strengthened past 152 per dollar on Wednesday, rising for a second straight session as investors positioned for the Bank of Japan’s policy decision this week, where rates are expected to remain unchanged. Still, policymakers are set to debate conditions for resuming rate hikes as tariff-related risks ease, though persistent inflation continues to cloud the outlook. The yen advanced about 0.5% on Tuesday after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met with Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama to discuss currency volatility, urging “sound monetary policy” in what was viewed as a critique of Japan’s slow rate normalization. Japan’s economic revitalization minister also said the government is closely watching the yen’s weakness, while noting that a softer currency still benefits exporters. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump met with new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday, pledging deeper US-Japan ties and signing agreements on trade and critical minerals.