European statistics on Thursday showed pricing pressures easing, but there were pockets of strength.
Lower energy prices lowered German inflation to 2.7% in February. Although higher than projected, French inflation decreased and Spanish inflation slowed more quickly.
Before the EU-wide release on Friday, euro zone countries are publishing February inflation data, which is likely to show headline inflation falling to 2.5% from 2.8% in January.
The currency rose after Bank of Japan board member Hajime Takata said there were finally chances of meeting the bank's 2% inflation target, allowing the bank to abandon negative rates and yield restrictions.
"Takata's remarks should add to conviction that an earlier-than-expected hike at the March meeting is possible," said OCBC currency strategist Christopher Wong.
On Wednesday, the yen approached 150.88, its weakest level since Nov. 16. The US dollar fell 0.48% to 149.96 yen. The dollar-yen exchange rate will rise 2.07% monthly.
Carry trades, in which traders sell or borrow the yen and invest in higher-yielding currencies, have continued to use the yen.
Bitcoin rose 1.7% to $61,853, close below its two-year high of $63,933 on Wednesday. On target for 45% monthly growth.
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