1.   As the dollar rises against the yen, so does the value of foreign-currency earnings in yen terms.

2.   A stronger dollar increases the value of foreign-currency earnings in yen terms.

3.   A stronger dollar makes U.S. exports more expensive in yen terms and Japanese exports cheaper in dollar terms.

4.   A weaker dollar makes Japanese exporters less competitive and reduces the value of their overseas earnings in yen terms.

5.   Dollar weakness also erodes the value of their earnings in yen terms.

6.   Even so, the weakening yen makes imports into Japan, such as oil, more expensive in yen terms.

7.   It also makes imports priced in dollars, such as oil, more expensive in yen terms.

8.   Japanese who have invested in the U.S. and elsewhere may sell dollars to book profits in yen terms on their overseas investments, said some analysts.

9.   Second, a stronger dollar will also make U.S. securities more expensive in yen terms.

10.   Starting with April figures, the ministry is releasing numbers exclusively in yen terms.