Japan Bank Lending Growth Exceeds Forecast

2025-10-10 00:10 By Jam Kaimo Samonte 1 min. read

Japan’s bank lending rose 3.8% in September 2025, accelerating from a downwardly revised 3.5% gain in August and exceeding market expectations for a 3.7% growth.

This was also the fastest pace of growth since April 2021.

Total outstanding loans across major, regional, and shinkin banks reached ¥647.9 trillion.

Major banks led with a 4.4% increase, followed by a solid 4% gain at regional banks.

Shinkin banks, local cooperative lenders serving small businesses and communities, saw a more modest 1.3% rise, signaling softer credit demand in some parts of the economy.



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