The Japanese yen has weakened to its lowest level against the US dollar since 1986, a move that is likely to heighten concerns among policymakers and keep market participants alert for the possibility of official intervention to support the currency. During overnight trading in New York, the yen slipped past the 161.95-per-dollar level, falling below the low recorded in July 2024 when Japanese authorities had previously stepped in to stabilize the exchange rate. The currency continued to weaken in Tokyo on Tuesday, touching 162.40 against the dollar despite verbal intervention from Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara. Remarks later made by Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama had little immediate effect on the market.