Having moved in the 104-109 yen range in June and July, the dollar appears poised to break 110 yen. The greenback last surpassed that level on May 11, when it touched 110.08 yen.
After climbing past this level, the unit could challenge the 111.73 yen year-to-date intraday high it hit Feb. 22.
The yen has come under fresh downward pressure amid concern over Sogo Co.'s collapse, which is posing a serious threat to the existence of many retail outlets.