Japan Household Spending Rises 1.3 Pct in June

   Tokyo, Aug. 8 (Jiji Press)--Household consumption spending in Japan in June rose 1.3 pct from a year earlier in inflation-adjusted real terms, the internal affairs ministry said Friday.
   The average spending by households with two or more members was 295,419 yen. The June rise was driven by a 30.1 pct jump in spending to buy automobiles and motorcycles, and higher electricity bills.
   Auto and motorcycle purchase costs rebounded after falling last year due to halts to shipments by some manufacturers following testing scandals.
   Electricity spending rose 6.2 pct as high temperatures in mid-May spurred the use of air conditioners. Housing-related expenses climbed 11.6 pct on strong demand for repair and maintenance, whose expenses show large swings.
   By contrast, food spending fell 2.1 pct, the first decline in three months, led by a drop in grain consumption. Spending on rice dropped 12.1 pct as more of the government-stockpiled rice released at lower prices under no-bid contracts became available to consumers. Bread purchase costs slid 6.1 pct.

(2025/08/08-13:09)

To read a full story, please click here to find out how to subscribe.