Japan finance minister reiterates concerns over excessive FX moves

TOKYO, Dec 27 (Reuters) - Japan Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato reiterated on Friday concerns over a sliding yen, repeating his warning to take action against excessive currency moves.

"The Japanese government has been alarmed by foreign exchange moves and will take appropriate action against excessive moves," Kato said at a regular press conference.

The U.S. dollar hit a fresh five-month high above 158 yen briefly on expectations the greenback would be boosted next year by policies of the incoming Donald Trump administration that are expected to boost growth and lift inflation.

(Reporting by Makiko Yamazaki; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman)

((Makiko.Yamazaki@thomsonreuters.com;))