Growing pessimism over the prospects for a Japanese economic recovery and fears of falling share prices sent the yen lower last month.
With the currency market struggling to find its way amid a hoard of unnerving reports on the economy and the financial market, the yen could remain under downward pressure through much of this month.
There were indications the yen's weak showing in recent weeks enticed Japanese exporters and other corporate traders to conclude forward contracts to hedge their dollar holdings against losses.