Friday, Feb. 6, 2026
0830 JST (2350 GMT/1830 EST Thursday, Feb. 5) The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications releases the December and the annual 2025 average household spending.
Mace News median forecasts: +0.1% y/y (range: -3.7% to +1.0%) vs. Nov +2.9%; -0.4% m/m (range: -3.5% to +0.1%) vs. Nov +6.2%
By Chikafumi Hodo
TOKYO (MaceNews) – Japan’s real household spending is expected to edge up 0.1 percent from a year earlier in December, after unexpectedly rising 2.9 percent the previous month, driven by a surge in automobile purchases.
November household spending of two or more people was also lifted by strong outlays on durable goods, while colder weather boosted demand for winter clothing. In addition, spending rose by a higher number of weekends and public holidays during the month.
December household spending is seen rising modestly, likely underpinned by continued demand for automobiles and related purchases. Credit card spending, which tends to move in tandem with real household expenditure, increased and is expected to support the overall figures.
Still, spending is expected to be weighed down by slower nationwide supermarket sales in December following gains the previous month. Softer inbound demand appeared to undermine department store sales, while growth in convenience store sales decelerated during the month.
On a month-on-month basis, household spending is expected to fall for the first time in two months in December, edging down 0.4 percent after jumping 6.2 percent a month earlier.