The Japanese yen slipped to around 147.5 per dollar on Friday, retreating from two-week highs as investors awaited a pivotal ruling party leadership vote this weekend that will determine the next prime minister and shape fiscal and monetary policy direction. The Liberal Democratic Party is set to choose a successor to former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who resigned last month, with debates centering on household relief measures versus fiscal discipline. On the data front, Japan’s jobless rate climbed to 2.6% in August, its highest in 13 months and above market forecasts of 2.4%. Uncertainty also lingers over the timing of further Bank of Japan rate hikes amid mixed economic signals and global trade pressures. BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda reaffirmed Friday that rates will be raised if growth and inflation evolve in line with projections.