Summary of Finance Minister Katayama’s Post-Cabinet Press Conference (September 11, 2026)
Overview
A silver coin with a face value of 1,000 yen will be issued to commemorate the 2027 International Horticultural Expo. The mintage will be 40,000 coins, and the planned sale price is 33,500 yen, including tax; applications are expected to open around December. While declining to comment specifically on foreign exchange market developments or the meaning and assessment of U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent’s remarks, the minister said Japan would maintain the policy it set out for coordinated intervention with the United States, stay in contact with the U.S. Treasury, and work to maintain orderly markets. The minister also said Japan had received encouragement and understanding at the Japan-U.S. finance ministers’ meeting and other occasions regarding the goal of combining Japan’s growth strategy with fiscal sustainability.
Key points
- A silver coin will be issued to commemorate the 2027 International Horticultural Expo.
- Japan will maintain the policy set out for coordinated intervention with the United States and work to maintain an orderly foreign exchange market.
- The minister refrained from commenting on the meaning or assessment of Treasury Secretary Bessent’s remarks.
Overview
The press conference consisted of opening remarks and a question-and-answer session. The opening remarks explained the coin issuance, while questions addressed the foreign exchange market and remarks by U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent.
Details
The Cabinet approved a cabinet order setting the design and other details. The obverse will feature Tunku Tunku, the official mascot, and six species of Japanese native plants planned for the venue; the reverse will bear the official logo. Applications for purchase are expected to open around December.
The minister refrained from commenting on specific foreign exchange market developments. A question referred to the yen’s appreciation, when the rate briefly fell below 153 yen per U.S. dollar, and subsequent volatility. The minister said the policy set out in the statement issued during coordinated intervention with the United States remained unchanged, and that Japan would work to maintain orderly markets while keeping close contact with the U.S. Treasury.
The minister said she had heard Treasury Secretary Bessent’s remarks through news reports and refrained from commenting on their meaning or assessment. At the Japan-U.S. finance ministers’ meeting on August 31 and the official dinner afterward, she spoke with Mr. Bessent and representatives of the U.S. financial sector, including Chairman Dimon. She said they offered encouragement and understanding regarding the goal of achieving a strong economy through Japan’s growth strategy (Takaichi-nomics) while ensuring fiscal sustainability.