Japan’s leading economic index, which gauges the outlook for the months ahead using indicators such as job offers and consumer sentiment, was at 112.1 in January 2026, below flash data of 112.4 but higher than a downwardly revised 110.4 in the previous month. The reading reached its highest level since July 2022, underscoring a gradual improvement in the economic outlook. Labor market strength persisted, with the jobs-to-applicants ratio remaining elevated, signaling sustained demand for workers. At the same time, consumer confidence climbed to a 21-month high in January, as worries over stubborn cost pressures eased following Tokyo’s large-scale stimulus program designed to bolster household spending and stabilize growth. source: Cabinet Office, Japan

Leading Economic Index Japan increased to 112.10 in January of 2026 over the same month in the previous year. Leading Economic Index in Japan averaged 102.76 Points from 1985 until 2026, reaching an all time high of 120.20 Points in November of 2013 and a record low of 80.40 Points in July of 1986. This page provides - Japan Leading Composite Index - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news. Japan Leading Economic Index - data, historical chart, forecasts and calendar of releases - was last updated on March of 2026.

Leading Economic Index Japan increased to 112.10 in January of 2026 over the same month in the previous year. Leading Economic Index in Japan is expected to be 109.00 Points by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. In the long-term, the Japan Leading Economic Index is projected to trend around 117.00 Points in 2027 and 115.00 Points in 2028, according to our econometric models.



Calendar GMT Reference Actual Previous Consensus TEForecast
2026-03-09 05:00 AM
Leading Economic Index Prel
Jan 112.4 110.3 113.2 113
2026-03-25 07:00 AM
Leading Economic Index Final
Jan 112.1 110.4 112.4 112.4
2026-04-07 05:00 AM
Leading Economic Index Prel
Feb 112.1 112.5


Related Last Previous Unit Reference
BSI Large Manufacturing 3.80 4.70 percent Mar 2026
Changes in Inventories -242.40 819.20 JPY Billion Dec 2025
Coincident Index 117.90 114.50 points Jan 2026
Eco Watchers Survey Current 48.90 47.60 points Feb 2026
Eco Watchers Survey Outlook 50.00 50.10 points Feb 2026
Leading Economic Index 112.10 110.40 Points Jan 2026
Machinery Orders MoM -5.50 16.10 percent Jan 2026
New Orders 1270.29 1204.44 JPY Billion Jan 2026


Japan Leading Economic Index
In Japan, the Leading Composite Index consists of 12 indexes such as account inventory ratios, machinery orders, stock prices and other leading economic indicators. The index anticipates changes in the direction of the Japanese economy in the coming months. In general, increase in the index reflects that the economy is in an expansion phase, and decreasing coincident index reflects that the economy is in a contraction phase. The index is used to make official judgement on when the business cycle begins and ends.
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
112.10 110.40 120.20 80.40 1985 - 2026 Points Monthly
2020=100, NSA

News Stream
Japan Leading Index Revised Lower
Japan’s leading economic index, which gauges the outlook for the months ahead using indicators such as job offers and consumer sentiment, was at 112.1 in January 2026, below flash data of 112.4 but higher than a downwardly revised 110.4 in the previous month. The reading reached its highest level since July 2022, underscoring a gradual improvement in the economic outlook. Labor market strength persisted, with the jobs-to-applicants ratio remaining elevated, signaling sustained demand for workers. At the same time, consumer confidence climbed to a 21-month high in January, as worries over stubborn cost pressures eased following Tokyo’s large-scale stimulus program designed to bolster household spending and stabilize growth.
2026-03-25
Japan Leading Index Rises to Multi-Year Peak
Japan’s leading economic index, which gauges the outlook for the months ahead using indicators such as job offers and consumer sentiment, rose to 112.4 in January 2026 from a final 110.3 in the previous month, flash data showed. It marked the highest reading since July 2022, pointing to a gradually improving economic outlook. Labor market conditions remained firm, with the jobs-to-applicants ratio staying elevated, reflecting continued demand for workers. Meanwhile, consumer sentiment climbed to its highest level in 21 months in January, as concerns over persistent cost pressures eased following Tokyo’s recent large-scale stimulus package aimed at supporting household spending and stabilizing the economy.
2026-03-09
Japan Leading Index Confirmed at 19-Month Peak
Japan’s leading economic index, which measures the outlook for the months ahead based on indicators such as job offers and consumer sentiment, rose to 111.0 in December 2025, higher than a preliminary reading of 110.2 and November's print of 109.9. It was the highest figure since May 2024, as labor market conditions improved modestly, with the jobs-to-applicants ratio edging up to 1.19 after hovering near a three-year low during October and November. However, consumer sentiment weakened in December after previously climbing to a 19-month high, reflecting persistent cost pressures and still-elevated borrowing costs.
2026-02-26