Japan Consumer Mood Hits 3-Month High

Japan's consumer confidence index rose to 33.6 in May 2026 from 32.2 in the previous month, beating market forecasts of 32.0 and marking the highest reading since February. Sentiment improved across all major categories: overall livelihood (30.2 vs 28.2 in April), income growth (40.3 vs 39.8), employment prospects (38.3 vs 37.4), and willingness to buy durable goods (24.4 vs 23.2).

Japan's consumer confidence index declined to 32.2 in April 2026 from 33.3 in March, and below forecasts of 33.1. It was the lowest figure since April 2025, with almost all components posting declines, including overall livelihood (28.2 vs 29.7 in March), employment outlook (37.4 vs 37.6), and willingness to purchase durable goods (23.2 vs 26.0), while income growth remained steady (at 39.8).

Japan’s consumer confidence index dropped to 33.3 in March 2026 from a downwardly revised 39.7 in the previous month, which was the highest figure since April 2019, below market forecasts of 38 and marking the lowest figure since May 2025. All components posted falls, including overall livelihood (29.7 vs 39.7 in February), income growth (39.8 vs 42.5), employment outlook (37.6 vs 44.0), and the willingness to purchase durable goods (26.0 vs 33.9).