1.   A weaker dollar cuts into earnings at exporters by decreasing the yen value of dollar-denominated profits and pressuring them to raises prices overseas.

2.   Corporate profits are fat enough that companies are more likely to increase their ad budgets than raise consumer prices, he said.

3.   Opponents of the bill contend that it would lead to frivolous lawsuits, raise prices and increase the number of uninsured.

4.   Other critics have said the move raise prices for American shoppers for such things as cars and appliances.

5.   A higher yen tends to make Japanese companies raise prices abroad, eating into earnings of export-dependent Japanese companies.

6.   It would also cut allocations for families with children, cause layoffs of civil servants and raise prices of medical services and public transport.