The weakening yen is starting to squeeze Japanese consumers as prices rise for everything from Burgundy wine to instant noodles, threatening Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's plans to revive the economy.
The currency slid to ¥110 to the dollar on Oct. 1, the lowest level in six years, making imported goods and materials more expensive. Though inflation is one of Abe's monetary goals, the's yen's sharp slide undermines steps to boost consumer spending and endangers public backing for his economic program.
"When I go to the supermarket now, I hesitate to buy things like cheese, as it's gotten so expensive," said Akiharu Katsuta, 40, a call-center employee in Tokyo.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.