The yen appreciated to 145 against the dollar on Friday, rising for a fourth straight session despite weaker-than-expected economic growth data. Japan's economy shrank 0.2% quarter-on-quarter in the first quarter, the first decline in a year and less than the 0.1% decline forecast. Earlier this week, the Bank of Japan acknowledged that the economy could slow due to the impact of US trade policy. However, the central bank maintained its view that rising wages and prices will support Japan's continued move toward policy normalization, which helped support the yen. Investors were also watching the progress of US-Japan trade talks, as Tokyo strives to reach a deal by June. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reiterated Japan's position that any agreement must include provisions on the auto industry and urged Washington to remove its 25% tariff on Japanese cars.