FXStreet reports that economists at MUFG Bank see a number of factors that may extend further the spell of JPY weakness over the short-term. 

“The trendline resistance from the post-COVID-19 recovery intraday high in March and the highs in June and earlier this month was broken fuelling a liquidation of short-term short USD/JPY positions. IMM data does not suggest very large leveraged positions but nonetheless, the market is short and these positions are now being cut. 

“The fears over the economic outlook in Japan are easing with implications for inflation expectations and hence the monetary stance (in real terms). COVID-19 infections are falling with the state of emergencies having an impact. The 7-day average of daily infections has declined nearly 30% in a week. That will reduce fears over the hit to the economy in Q1."