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Japan Economy

Nikkei Asia
Japan tariff negotiator says it is 'desirable' to reach agreement with US in June
WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- The United States is increasingly recognizing the importance of Japan for its economy, the Asian country's chief tariff negotiator said Friday, after holding another round of ...
Reuters
Japan inflation passes 2-year highs, stoking rate dilemma for BOJ
Japan's core inflation accelerated at its fastest annual pace in more than two years in April, data showed on Friday, raising the odds of another interest rate hike by year-end. Julian Satterthwaite ...
Financial Times
Japan inflation climbs at fastest rate in more than 2 years
Japan’s core inflation rate climbed at its fastest rate in more than two years in April, piling pressure on the Bank of Japan as it seeks to normalise the country’s interest rates and the unpopular ...
Reuters
Japan economy shrinks more than expected as tariff hit looms
Japan's economy shrank for the first time in a year and at a faster pace than expected, data for the March quarter showed on Friday, underscoring the fragile nature of its recovery now under threat ...
MarketWatch
Japan economy swings to contraction, first decline in a year
The Japanese economy suffered a surprising contraction in the first quarter of 2025, with analysts citing tariff stress as a main cause. Gross domestic product fell 0.2% in the first quarter, versus ...
Reuters
Japan's economy shrinks annualised 0.7% in Jan-March
Japan's economy shrank an annualised 0.7% in the first quarter, data showed on Friday, underscoring a fragile recovery now under threat from U.S. President Donald Trump's trade policies.
Reuters
Japan's economy shrinks more than expected as US tariff hit looms
Japan's economy shrank an annualised 0.7% in the first quarter, data showed on Friday, underscoring a fragile recovery now under threat from U.S. President Donald Trump's trade policies.
CNBC
Japan’s economy contracts for the first time in a year as exports fall, shrinking by a more than expected 0.2%
On an annualized basis, Japan's GDP contracted 0.7% in the first quarter, also more than the 0.2% fall expected by the Reuters poll.
Nikkei Asia
Japan wage growth cools in manufacturing, picks up in services
TOKYO -- Japanese companies have raised wages by an average of 5.49% this year, little changed from 2024, as the pace of increases in manufacturing slows while other sectors catch up, a Nikkei ...
Wall Street Journal
Japan’s Economy Shrinks for First Time in a Year
Japan’s economy shrank in the first quarter of 2025 for the first time in a year, and it faces a bumpy road ahead due to the impact of U.S. trade policy.
Bloomberg
Japan’s Sputtering Economy Likely Stalled Before Trump’s Tariffs
Japan’s economy likely suffered a contraction in the first three months of this year, signaling underlying fragility even before US tariff measures started hitting the country in earnest, according to ...
Bloomberg
Japan’s New Generation of Risk-Taking Investors Is Finally Here
When it comes to investing, attitudes in Japan are undergoing a sweeping generational shift driven by the return of inflation and the rollout of a financial education program.
Nikkei Asia
BOJ holds steady on interest rates amid Trump tariff uncertainty
The central bank kept its policy rate, an uncollateralized overnight call rate, at 0.5% during its first board meeting since Washington announced a wave of "reciprocal" tariffs in early April. The BOJ ...
CNBC
Japan inflation comes in at 3.6%, surpasses BOJ target for three straight years
Japan's inflation grew 3.6% year on year in March, marking three straight years that the headline inflation figure is above the Bank of Japan's 2% target.
Reuters
Japan finance minister 'deeply concerned' over Trump tariff impact
Japan is "deeply concerned" about global economic fallout from U.S. President Donald Trump's trade tariffs, Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato said on Thursday in the government's strongest warning yet as the two nations began trade talks.
Wall Street Journal
Japan Inflation Speeds Up, Backing Case for Rate Hikes
Japan’s core consumer inflation gained pace in March due to higher food prices, helping the Bank of Japan make a case for further interest-rate increases despite tariff concerns.
CNBC
Japan markets trade flat as investors parse key inflation data
Japan’s inflation grew 3.6% year on year in March, marking three straight years that the headline inflation figure is above the Bank of Japan’s 2% target.
CNBC
Asia-Pacific markets trade mixed as investors parse Japan inflation data
Japan’s inflation grew 3.6% year on year in March, marking three straight years that the headline inflation figure is above the Bank of Japan’s 2% target.
Reuters
Japan cautions about uncertainty from Trump trade policies
Japan's government warned of uncertainty over the impact of U.S. trade policies as tariffs could hurt the global economy but it also said in a monthly report on Friday that the domestic economy was recovering moderately thanks to a solid corporate sector.
U.S. News & World Report
Exclusive-Japan Finance Minister 'Deeply Concerned' Over Trump Tariff Impact
"The recent U.S. tariff measures affect various industries and heighten uncertainty. We're deeply concerned they could affect Japan's economy, as well as the global economy, throu
Reuters
Exclusive: Japan finance minister 'deeply concerned' over Trump tariff impact
Japan is "deeply concerned" about global economic fallout from U.S. President Donald Trump's trade tariffs, Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato said on Thursday in the government's strongest warning yet as the two nations began trade talks.
MarketWatch
Hopes rise for Trump trade deal with Japan as Bessent reports 'highly satisfactory' talks
Optimistic comments from President Donald Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are indicating progress toward a trade deal with Japan, following meetings between the two countries. "Following yesterday’s meetings with Minister Ryosei Akazawa of Japan,
Reuters
Japan's exports expand in March as US tariffs feared to hit economy broadly
Japan's exports rose for a sixth straight month in March, data showed on Thursday, as the threat of sweeping U.S. tariffs drove Japanese companies to ramp up shipments while sparking concerns about the outlook of the country's export-reliant economy.
Wall Street Journal
Japan Economy Minister Urges ‘Win-Win’ Solutions Ahead of U.S. Trade Talks
TOKYO—Japan is ready to help the U.S. achieve its economic goals, but in a way that’s mutually beneficial, Japan’s economy minister said ahead of trade talks with the Trump administration. Japanese ...
Reuters
Japan inflation probably accelerated in March on rice price rise
Japan's core inflation probably accelerated in March from the previous month as rice prices rose, a Reuters poll showed, a sign of persistent cost pressure that is likely to encourage the central bank ...
Reuters
Japan inflation probably accelerated in March on rice price rise - Reuters poll
Japan's core inflation probably accelerated in March from the previous month as rice prices rose, a Reuters poll showed, a sign of persistent cost pressure that is likely to encourage the central bank ...
Reuters
BOJ says uncertainty for Japan economy growing as Trump tariffs rock markets
The Bank of Japan said uncertainty over Japan's economy was growing as some firms worried about the hit to profits from higher U.S. duties, a sign that President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs risk ...
Reuters
BOJ's Ueda warns of hit to Japan economy from Trump tariffs
Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda said on Friday the central bank will scrutinise the impact of U.S. tariffs on the country's economy when setting monetary policy, warning the higher levies will ...
Reuters
Bank of Japan’s Ueda warns of hit to Japan economy from Trump tariffs
TOKYO] Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda said on Friday the central bank will scrutinise the impact of US tariffs on the country’s economy when setting monetary policy, warning the higher levies will ...
Reuters
Japan services sector loses steam in March as confidence eases, PMI shows
The au Jibun Bank Japan Services Business Activity Index fell to the neutral level of 50.0 in March from a joint-six month high of 53.7 in February, better than a flash reading of 49.5, according to ...
Reuters
Japan business mood worsens as Trump tariff uncertainty lingers
Business sentiment among big Japanese manufacturers worsened in the three months to March, a central bank survey showed on Tuesday, a sign escalating trade tensions were already taking a toll on the ...
Nikkei Asia
China's Xi Jinping hosts global CEOs as trade tensions heat up
TOKYO -- Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted top foreign corporate executives on Friday, state media said, as his government looks to the private sector to shore up the country's flagging economy ...
Nikkei Asia
Xi Jinping urges global CEOs to 'safeguard' international trading system
TOKYO -- Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted top foreign corporate executives on Friday, state media said, as his government looks to the private sector to shore up the country's flagging economy ...
Bloomberg
Tokyo Inflation Accelerates, Keeping BOJ on Rate Hike Path
The cost of living in Tokyo rose at a slightly faster pace than the previous month, keeping the Bank of Japan on track for gradual interest rate hikes.
Wall Street Journal
Under pressure to raise wages, Japan’s smaller firms get creative
The biggest pay increase in 34 years promised by major Japanese companies is forcing smaller firms with smaller budgets to get creative to stay competitive in the labor market.
CNBC
Japan inflation eases to 3.7% in February, down from a two-year high
Japan's headline inflation rose 3.7% year on year in February, easing from a two-year high of 4% seen in January.
Wall Street Journal
Japan Inflation Slows But Uptrend Backs Case for Rate Hikes
Japan’s consumer inflation slowed slightly in February due to energy subsidies but maintained the uptrend keeping interest-rate hike expectations intact.
Morningstar
Japan Inflation Slows But Keeps Trending Up, Backing Case for Rate Hikes — Update
TOKYO--Japan's consumer inflation slowed slightly in February due to energy subsidies but continued trending up amid a record spike in rice prices and indications of strong wage growth, keeping ...
Reuters
Japan inflation likely cooled in Feb on energy subsidy resumption: Reuters poll
Japan's core inflation likely decelerated in February from the previous month due to the resumption of energy subsidies, a Reuters poll showed, though the overall price trends will likely keep ...
Wall Street Journal
Japan Economy Grew Faster Than Expected in Final Quarter of 2024
The Japanese economy expanded in the final three months of 2024 thanks to solid corporate spending and external demand, a positive show of strength as the central bank mulls further rate increases.
Reuters
Japan inflation likely hit 17-month-high in January on rising food prices: Reuters poll
Japan's core consumer price inflation likely accelerated in January from the previous month and rose at the joint-fastest pace in 17 months due to high food prices and reduced energy subsidy, a ...
Reuters
Japan inflation likely hit 17-month-high in January on rising food prices - Reuters poll
Japan's core consumer price inflation likely accelerated in January from the previous month and rose at the joint-fastest pace in 17 months due to high food prices and reduced energy subsidy, a ...
Nikkei Asia
Japan economy grows 1.0% on month in December: JCER
TOKYO -- Japan's economy is estimated to have grown at an annualized rate of 1.0% in December from the previous month, driven by a surge in exports ahead of possible new tariffs imposed by U.S.
Reuters
Japan inflation-adjusted wages rise in December on jump in bonuses
Japan's December inflation-adjusted real wages rose 0.6% year-on-year thanks to a wintertime bonus bump, preliminary government data showed on Wednesday, with government officials expressing optimism ...
Morningstar
Japan Inflation Backs Case for BOJ Rate Hike — Update
In addition to a rate decision, the BOJ is also scheduled to release fresh inflation projections later in the day. In its previous outlook report, the bank's policy board said it expected inflation to ...
MarketWatch
Dollar slides vs. yen after report on Bank of Japan inflation forecast
A Bloomberg story that the Bank of Japan might lift its inflation forecast due to rice and the yen had an impact, sending the dollar lower vs. the yen. The question is whether the central bank lifts ...
NHK
Survey: Japan economy to see 1.1% real growth in FY2025
Economists predict that Japan's economy will grow more than 1 percent in inflation-adjusted terms in fiscal 2025. They see wage increases giving a boost to consumer spending.
Global Macro Playbook
Japan's Factory Contraction Slows in December: Reuters PMI

Japan's manufacturing sector continued to contract in December, but at a slower pace than in November, according to a private-sector survey released Monday by S&P Global Market Intelligence.

The final au Jibun Bank Japan Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) edged up to 49.6 in

Reuters
Japan economy: factory decline slows, employment picks up
Japan's factory activity shrank at a slower pace in December as declines in production and new orders eased, a private-sector survey showed on Monday, edging closer to stabilization after recent falls ...