The Japan Financial Services Agency published a summary of the finance minister’s post-Cabinet press conference covering recent yen depreciation amid developments in Iran and outlining the Cabinet’s decision to amend the Foreign Exchange Act to strengthen Japan’s framework for screening foreign investment. On markets, the minister pointed to major fluctuations across financial markets and reiterated that Japan will take “all possible measures”, taking account of the exchange rate’s impact on people’s lives in the context of crude oil prices. He also said the exchange rate was not aligned with fundamentals and that this was “especially” the case. On the Foreign Exchange Act amendment, he described it as a Prime Minister-mandated step to oblige cooperation among relevant ministries and agencies for establishing a “Japanese version of CFIUS”, alongside further enhancements to pre-notification matters for foreign investors.
Japan Financial Services Agency 2026-03-17
Japan Financial Services Agency notes Cabinet-backed Foreign Exchange Act amendment to bolster Japanese CFIUS-style screening and foreign investor pre-notification
The Japan Financial Services Agency summarized the finance minister's post-Cabinet press conference, highlighting yen depreciation and the Cabinet's decision to amend the Foreign Exchange Act to enhance foreign investment screening. The minister noted significant market fluctuations and emphasized Japan's commitment to necessary measures, considering the exchange rate's impact on citizens. The amendment aims to create a "Japanese version of CFIUS" and improve pre-notification requirements for foreign investors.