The dollar's average break-even level for Japanese manufacturers is estimated at 115.32 yen for the current business year. So if the dollar slips to around 115 yen, that should be pretty negative to Japan's corporate earnings and its economy.

The uncertainty over U.S. corporate earnings is casting a shadow over global financial markets, and the Tokyo market cannot be an exception.

Signs that the U.S. stock scene is improving really helps lift spirits at home.

The G7 statement clarified Japan's problems --- the out-of-dated tax system (which deters the flow of capital into the stock market) and lack of support from monetary policy to encourage banks to write off their bad loans.

The market has been somewhat aware of oil and the dollar/yen as potential risks for Japanese shares.