Japan's foreign exchange reserves stood at $816.85 billion in May, up $1.88 billion from the previous month, the Finance Ministry said Monday.

The figure for the reporting month was the second highest on record following the $826.58 billion registered in March. The nation's foreign reserves in April fell for the first time in eight months as Japan halted dollar-supportive currency operations.

Separate data released recently by the Finance Ministry show that Japan has stayed away from yen-weakening operations, with the dollar having remained firm against the yen since March 17.

Therefore, the increase in the reporting month is probably a result of investment gains in U.S. Treasury securities that the Japanese government holds.

Japan remained the largest holder of foreign reserves of any country or territory for the 54th straight month, the ministry said, citing the latest comparable data.

Foreign exchange reserves consist of securities and deposits denominated in foreign currencies plus International Monetary Fund reserve positions, IMF special drawing rights and gold.

Japan had $637.81 billion in foreign securities at the end of May, up from $623.74 billion in April, and $159.34 billion in foreign currency deposits, down from $171.73 billion.

Of the deposits, $7.68 billion was held in foreign central banks and the Basel-based Bank for International Settlements, $60.61 billion in Japanese banks and $91.05 billion in foreign banks.

Japan had $9.68 billion in gold, up from $9.56 billion in April.

It had $7.35 billion in IMF reserve positions and $2.68 billion in special drawing rights.