Japan's Actual Household Consumption Falls for Ninth Consecutive Month

According to survey results released by Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications on the 9th, household consumption in Japan remains weak, with actual household spending declining year-on-year for a ninth consecutive month in August. Data shows that average monthly consumption expenditure for households with two or more members fell 3.1% year-on-year in August. Of the 10 major categories of expenditure, nine saw declines. Specifically, food spending dropped 1.4%; education spending fell sharply by 12.3%; and utility costs declined 5.2%, marking a sixth consecutive month of decline. Spending on clothing, footwear, furniture, and home furnishings also decreased.