Katayama Pledges Flexible Policies as Reuters Poll Flags BOJ June Hike to 1.0%, USD/JPY ~157.50

USD/JPY remains steady near 157.50 amid persistent yen weakness, supported by interventions totaling up to ¥11T ($72B) since late April, including $35B confirmed in early May. Finance Minister Katayama vowed flexible fiscal measures to protect livelihoods from inflation and depreciation, coinciding with a Reuters poll showing 28/34 economists expecting a BOJ rate hike to 1.0% in June and another in Q4. Hawkish BOJ Summary of Opinions, US-Japan FX coordination, OECD's projection of 2% rates by 2027, and Masu's depreciation warning have firmed tightening expectations, curbing yen downside.