TOKYO, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The Japanese yen surged into the 156 level against the U.S. dollar from the upper 160 range on Thursday, after Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said earlier that "decisive action" would be needed against yen declines.

"The time for decisive action, which I have previously mentioned, is finally getting closer," Katayama told reporters as the yen hit 160.72 earlier in the day.

Atsushi Mimura, vice finance minister for international affairs, also issued a similar warning, calling it "the final evacuation advisory" against speculative moves. ■