Japan has reappointed Atsushi Mimura as vice finance minister for international affairs, keeping him in charge of the country’s foreign exchange policy. The decision, announced by the finance ministry on Tuesday, takes effect on July 1 and extends Mimura’s term into a second year.
Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato said Mimura’s experience and current role in trade negotiations with the United States were key reasons for his reappointment. Mimura, 58, is leading discussions with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and is responsible for Japan’s currency policy and international economic coordination.
His continued leadership comes at a time when Japan is facing economic pressure from a weak yen. Although the yen has recently strengthened to about 145 per U.S. dollar—recovering from a 38-year low of 161.96 last year—it still contributes to rising import costs and inflation.
Mimura takes a more reserved approach than his predecessor, Masato Kanda, who served three years and led major currency interventions. When the yen dropped sharply below 150 last November, Mimura raised official warnings from “high urgency” to “utmost urgency.” However, he stopped short of direct action, showing caution in his strategy.
He has explained that silence can also be a tool in managing markets. “Being always vocal is one style of communication, but not speaking may also be another,” Mimura told Reuters. His comments reflect a careful effort to avoid stirring market speculation.
Japan’s finance ministry usually changes key officials every year, but FX leaders often stay longer because of the complexity of international monetary policy. As Japan prepares for more trade talks with the U.S. in 2025, Mimura’s steady presence is seen as important in managing inflation, stabilizing the currency, and guiding economic diplomacy.
