The yen remained weak in the upper 146 range versus the dollar early Thursday in Tokyo after the release of a stronger-than-expected U.S. producer index further lifted the U.S. currency.
At 9 a.m., the dollar fetched 146.77-78 yen compared with 146.87-97 yen in New York and 146.16-19 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Wednesday.
The euro was quoted at $0.9702-9706 and 142.40-46 yen against $0.9696-9706 and 142.43-53 yen in New York and $0.9706-9708 and 141.88-92 yen in Tokyo late Wednesday afternoon.
Tokyo stocks dropped slightly as investors waited for the U.S. consumer price index slated to be released later in the day.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 35.74 points, or 0.14 percent, from Wednesday to 26,361.09. The broader Topix index was down 5.67 points, or 0.30 percent, at 1,863.33.
On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by air transportation, electric power and gas, and real estate issues.
