Japan Household Spending Rises 4.7 Pct in May

   Tokyo, July 4 (Jiji Press)--Household consumption spending in Japan in May rose 4.7 pct from a year earlier in inflation-adjusted real terms, as automobile and food purchases increased, a survey by the internal affairs ministry showed Friday.
   The average spending by households consisting of two or more members stood at 316,085 yen, up for the first time in two months.
   The year-on-year growth was the biggest in two years and nine months since a 5.1 pct rise logged in August 2022.
   Purchases of automobiles and motorcycles jumped 2.6 times, after manufacturers' vehicle certification irregularities led to partial shipment suspensions last year.
   Spending on food increased 1.0 pct, up for the second consecutive month. Expenditures on eating out continued to grow, and purchases of fresh vegetables also expanded as their prices stabilized. Meanwhile, spending on rice decreased 8.2 pct, reflecting higher prices.

(2025/07/04-15:43)

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