Amid concern over the beleaguered Japanese economy, the dollar has reclaimed 131 yen, a level unseen since Oc- tober 1998.

There is a virtual consensus in the marketplace that the government remains committed to a weak-yen policy. With signs of economic recovery nowhere in sight in Japan, a weak yen is no doubt in Japan's national interest.

Indeed, highly placed government officials have openly indicated they would tolerate a weak yen.