Japan’s services sector sentiment index rose to 47.0 in September 2026 from 46.4 in the previous month, reaching its highest level since February and exceeding market expectations of 46.8. The reading marked the fifth consecutive month of improvement, supported by stronger sentiment among household-related businesses, particularly in the services sector, despite weaker housing-related indicators. Corporate confidence, however, eased, weighed down by the manufacturing sector, while labor market conditions continued to improve. Meanwhile, the economic outlook index, which gauges business expectations for the months ahead, fell to 47.4 from August’s six-month high of 48.3, marking its first decline in five months. The deterioration reflected growing concerns over the impact of natural disasters and uncertainty surrounding conditions in the Middle East, although the broader economy continued to show signs of recovery. source: Cabinet Office, Japan

Economy Watchers Survey in Japan increased to 47 points in September from 46.40 points in August of 2026. Economy Watchers Survey in Japan averaged 45.13 points from 2001 until 2026, reaching an all time high of 58.30 points in December of 2021 and a record low of 8.30 points in April of 2020. This page provides - Japan Economy Watchers Survey - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news. Japan Economy Watchers Survey - data, historical chart, forecasts and calendar of releases - was last updated on October of 2026.

Economy Watchers Survey in Japan increased to 47 points in September from 46.40 points in August of 2026. Economy Watchers Survey in Japan is expected to be 48.00 points by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. In the long-term, the Japan Economy Watchers Survey is projected to trend around 51.50 points in 2027 and 52.50 points in 2028, according to our econometric models.



Calendar GMT Reference Actual Previous Consensus TEForecast
2026-09-08 05:00 AM
Eco Watchers Survey Current
Aug 46.4 45.7 46.3 46
2026-10-08 05:00 AM
Eco Watchers Survey Current
Sep 47.0 46.4 46.8 46.1
2026-11-10 05:00 AM
Eco Watchers Survey Current
Oct 47.0



Components Last Previous Unit Reference
Eco Watchers Survey Outlook 47.40 48.30 points Sep 2026

Related Last Previous Unit Reference
BSI Large Manufacturing 7.60 -1.80 percent Sep 2026
Changes in Inventories -2408.50 -1742.10 JPY Billion Jun 2026
Coincident Index 118.70 120.60 points Aug 2026
Eco Watchers Survey Current 47.00 46.40 points Sep 2026
Leading Economic Index 118.00 117.60 Points Aug 2026
Machinery Orders MoM -3.70 9.70 percent Jul 2026
New Orders 1279.73 1275.80 JPY Billion Jul 2026


Japan Economy Watchers Survey
The Economy Watchers Current Index measures the current mood of businesses that directly service consumers, such as barbers, taxi drivers, and waiters. The survey covers eleven regions across the country including Hokkaido, Tohoku, Northern Kanto, Southern Kanto, Tokai, Hokuriku, Kinki, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa. There were 2,050 people selected among those engaged in jobs in industries. This enabled them to observe any developments that accurately reflect economic activities such as household activity, corporate activity, and employment. A reading above 50.0 indicates optimism; below indicates pessimism.
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
47.00 46.40 58.30 8.30 2001 - 2026 points Monthly
SA

News Stream
Japan Services Sentiment Rises to 7-Month High
Japan’s services sector sentiment index rose to 47.0 in September 2026 from 46.4 in the previous month, reaching its highest level since February and exceeding market expectations of 46.8. The reading marked the fifth consecutive month of improvement, supported by stronger sentiment among household-related businesses, particularly in the services sector, despite weaker housing-related indicators. Corporate confidence, however, eased, weighed down by the manufacturing sector, while labor market conditions continued to improve. Meanwhile, the economic outlook index, which gauges business expectations for the months ahead, fell to 47.4 from August’s six-month high of 48.3, marking its first decline in five months. The deterioration reflected growing concerns over the impact of natural disasters and uncertainty surrounding conditions in the Middle East, although the broader economy continued to show signs of recovery.
2026-10-08
Japan Services Sentiment Hits 6-Month High
Japan’s services sector sentiment index rose to 46.4 in August 2026 from 45.7 in the previous month, notching its highest level since February and slightly topping market expectations of 46.3. The latest reading marked the fourth consecutive month of improvement, lifted by stronger sentiment among household-related businesses, even as those in the food and beverage sector declined. Corporate confidence also improved, led mainly by the non-manufacturing sector, while labor market conditions continued to increase. Meanwhile, the economic outlook index, which measures business expectations for the months ahead, climbed to 48.3 from 45.8 in July, hitting a six-month high and rising for a fourth straight month. The improvement suggested businesses expect economic conditions to recover further despite concerns over the impact of natural disasters.
2026-09-08
Japan Services Sentiment Rises to 5-Month High
Japan’s services sector sentiment index rose to 45.7 in July 2026 from 44.0 in the previous month, reaching its highest level since February and exceeding market expectations of 44.0. The latest reading marked the third consecutive month of improvement, supported by stronger sentiment among household-related businesses, particularly those in the food and beverage sector. Corporate confidence also strengthened, led mainly by the non-manufacturing sector, while labor market conditions continued to firm. Meanwhile, the economic outlook index, which measures business expectations for the months ahead, edged up to 45.8 from 45.7 in June, hitting a five-month high and rising for a third straight month. The improvement suggested businesses expect economic conditions to stabilize despite lingering downward pressure from the Middle East conflict.
2026-08-10