Economic Buzz: Japan retail sales rise 2.1% YoY in April

Japan?s retail sales increased 2.1% year-on-year in April 2026, marking the strongest growth since April 2025, supported by government stimulus efforts to boost consumer spending and ease price pressures. Automobile sales surged 15.4%, while machinery and equipment sales rose 5.5%, contributing to the overall improvement in retail activity. On a monthly basis, retail trade advanced 1.3%, recording the fastest increase in three months.

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