MarketsEncouraging investment in Japanese assets could spur further yen gainsJapanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama speaks at a news conference in Tokyo on July 10. © KyodoYOSHINARU SAKABEJuly 11, 2026 01:00 JSTTOKYO -- The yen strengthened and long-term yields fell here Friday, triggered by Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama's comment suggesting the government would encourage more domestic investment by pension funds as well as her support for the Bank of Japan's independence.