Finance Minister Taro Aso

The Japanese government is "very concerned" about the global economic risks stemming from Britain's decision to leave the European Union, Finance Minister Taro Aso said Friday, after the yen surged against other currencies.

According to Kyodo news agency, Aso refrained from commenting on possible market intervention to halt the yen's rise after the dollar bounced back above the 100 yen level. The US dollar had dropped below the 100 yen line for the first time since November 2013.

"We are very concerned over the risks to the global economy, financial and exchange markets," Aso told reporters, adding the government will monitor the situation "more than ever" and steadily take steps when needed so volatile movements do not continue.