Japan’s Economy

"The upward revision is very slight, and when you exclude the impact of leap year growth is not that strong," said Shuji Tonouchi, senior fixed income strategist at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities.

Japan's economy dodges recession in Q1, sales tax decision eyed

With private consumption making only a feeble recovery from last quarter's slump, the data keeps alive market expectations that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will delay a scheduled sales tax hike next year, analysts said.

Japan fourth-quarter GDP shrinks less than expected

While many analysts expect growth to have rebounded modestly in the current quarter, the bleak outlook for global demand has led some to predict another contraction that will push Japan back into technical recession - defined as two straight quarters of shrinking growth.

Japan December machinery orders rise in positive sign for capex

Core orders, a highly volatile data series regarded as a leading indicator of capital spending, rose 4.2 percent in December, Cabinet Office data showed on Wednesday, less than the median estimate for a 4.7 percent month-on-month increase.

Japan economy shrinks, adds to fears of global slowdown

The data underscores the challenges premier Shinzo Abe faces in dragging the economy out of stagnation, as exports to emerging markets fail to gain enough momentum to make up for soft domestic demand.

Upmarket noodles, chocolates keep Abenomics' pulse beating

Nissin Foods Holdings added more meat and toppings to its signature Cup Noodle products earlier this year, and raised prices by 5-8 percent. Sales rose by a tenth in April-September from a year earlier.

Poll: What's driving the yen?

The Japanese currency strengthened 0.1 percent to 122.44 per dollar in early Asian trading, after rising 0.4 percent last week. The euro weakened 0.5 percent at 131.23 against the yen, falling below the support levels at mid-131.

Japan economy shrinks 0.8% in Q3, back in recession

Many analysts expect the economy to grow only moderately in the current quarter as companies remain hesitant to use their record profits for wage hikes, underscoring the challenges premier Shinzo Abe faces in pulling Japan sustainably out of stagnation with his "Abenomics" stimulus policies.

BOJ maintains upbeat view for regional areas of Japan

In a quarterly report on regional economies, the central bank said many areas saw capital expenditure increase gradually and private consumption remain firm on improving job conditions.

Economy in recovery trend despite weakness: Akira Amari

Akira Amari said he hoped discussions between the government and private sector kicking off later this month would spur corporate capital spending and help sustain a moderate economic recovery.

Oil falls again on weak US, Asia demand outlook

US crude futures CLc1 were trading at USD 41.84 per barrel at 0014 GMT, 3 cents below their last settlement and not far off more than six-year lows touched earlier this week.

Will Japan's economy be a bright spot in 2012?

While a number of analysts see a slowdown for the world`s third largest economy next year, one Japan watcher still expects above-trend growth for 2012, even without any contribution from exports.

Japan recovery takes hold, but debt downgrade looms

Japan's economy offered more signs of recovery from the deadly March earthquake on Tuesday, but Moody's ratings agency warned both growth and government action may fall short of what is necessary to bring Tokyo's ballooning debt back under control.

BOJ Shirakawa warns Japan economic outlook 'very severe'

Bank of Japan Governor Masaaki Shirakawa said on Saturday that the country's economic outlook was very severe and that the central bank would take appropriate action to support the economy.

Japan heading into recession, strong yen adds pressure

Japan's economy seems to be in a state of almost suspended animation as its nuclear crisis shows no sign of ending, sorely testing analysts' hopes for a swift rebound led by reconstruction efforts.

Japan disaster in figures

Here is a list of the likely impact of and response to the devastating earthquake and tsunami that rocked the northeast coast of Japan on Friday, and subsequent crisis at nuclear power plants.