Views mixed on strong yen

Small businesses voiced concern Saturday about the yen's growing strength over the dollar, while travelers welcomed the chance to flex renewed purchasing muscle overseas.

In New York on Friday, the dollar touched a postwar low of ¥75.95.

Makoto Onishi, an official of wire maker Osaka Seiko, said he was worried that the yen's rise will dampen the economy. "We're just expecting a recovery around autumn in transactions for auto parts, which have been hurt by the (March 11 disaster). It's like we've had cold water thrown on us," he said.

Meanwhile at Narita airport, many travelers welcomed the yen rise. "I'm happy because I'm going to shop," said Seoul-bound Naomi Uchida, 27.

But a Macau-bound cram school owner, 59, said she was worried. "The economy could worsen and a growing number of parents might not be able to spend as much money on children's education."

"There may be advantages for businesses engaged in imports or investments," a 60-year-old man from Sendai's Aoba Ward said. "I just hope politicians do their best not to encourage businesses to shift operations abroad."

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