The role of the Japanese yen as an international currency is assessed. It is found that the determinants of international-currency use imply some increase for the yen’s use in international finance; however, the implications for the yen’s use in international trade are mixed. It is also shown that, despite Japan’s emergence as the world’s largest net creditor nation, Japan’s capital outflows have not significantly facilitated the yen’s internationalization. Data are presented showing that, although the yen’s use as an international currency has increased, it is still rather modest. Wider use of the yen as a regional currency in Asia has occurred, though a “yen-zone” does not appear to be emerging.

Japan experienced a remarkable growth in international finance, through a series of liberalization measures in the 1980s. However, her position in the global financial system is still limited, as the reserve currency share of yen illustrates. Why does such a contrast exist? Historical comparison with Britain and the United States as well as extensive data provide a key to answer the question.

This paper reviews the experience of Japan with a restrictive trade and payments system during the early part of the post-World War II period, as a case study of how the fixed exchange rate system was managed in practice under the Bretton Woods system. Specifically, it presents a summary of how Japan's system of foreign exchange and trade control operated in the early 1950s, how effectively it was used as a tool of macroeconomic policy, and how it was liberalized from the late 1950s into the early 1960s.