51.   Also, the strong yen and weak demand are forcing manufacturers to cut production and trim labor forces.

52.   All manufacturers have significantly shifted production to other countries in recent years, however, because the strong yen has made their products more expensive overseas.

53.   Burned badly by the strong yen, Japanese automakers are moving production offshore and slashing exports.

54.   But neither the strong yen nor fears of higher unemployment is likely to prove devastating.

55.   But now, the pressure of the strong yen has changed that.

56.   Carmakers are moving production to overseas plants to sidestep the effects of the strong yen and to shift manufacturing bases closer to foreign markets.

57.   Carmakers are moving production to overseas plants because of the strong yen and to move production bases closer to foreign markets.

58.   Carmakers are reducing exports because of weak overseas sales, the strong yen and as they shift production to bases abroad.

59.   Coupled with other problems, like a sinking stock market and a sudden spike in long-term interest rates, the strong yen is threatening to stifle any economic revival.

60.   Demand for imports, made cheaper by the strong yen, is growing among Japanese consumers and companies.