At the time the agreement was signed the value ratio between the yen and the U.S. greenback was 185 yen to $1.00 U.S. dollar. For awhile the U.S. company prospered even more as the exchange rate fell from 250 yen to $1.00 U.S. It was looking like a really good bargain. Unfortunately, the tide shifted the other way and by 1988, the yen was valued at 140 yen to $1.00 U.S., much to the dismay of the U.S. company.