The U.S. dollar briefly topped the 145 yen line on Monday in Tokyo, the first time it has breached the level since Japan intervened in the currency market in late September, as U.S. economic data showing strong inflation fueled speculation of aggressive interest rate hikes in the world's largest economy.
At 3 p.m., the dollar fetched 144.77-80 yen compared with 144.70-80 yen in New York and 144.31-33 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Friday.
The euro was quoted at $0.9824-9828 and 142.24-28 yen against $0.9795-9805 and 141.92-142.02 yen in New York and $0.9832-9834 and 141.89-93 yen in Tokyo late Friday afternoon.
Japanese stocks meanwhile ended higher as buybacks erased earlier losses following weaker-than-expected results from the Bank of Japan's Tankan business survey.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 278.58 points, or 1.07 percent, from Friday at 26,215.79. The broader Topix index finished 11.64 points, or 0.63 percent, higher at 1,847.58.
On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by marine transportation, transportation equipment, and mining issues.
