Friday, Jan. 9, 2026
0830 JST (2350 GMT/1830 EST Thursday, Jan. 8) The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications releases the November average household spending.
Mace News median forecasts: -1.4% y/y (range: -2.5% to -0.6%) vs. Oct -3.0%; +1.4% m/m (range: +0.4% to +3.3%) vs. Oct -3.5%
By Chikafumi Hodo
TOKYO (MaceNews) – Japan’s real household spending is expected to fall 1.4% from a year earlier in November after unexpectedly dropping 3.0% the previous month, weighed down by weaker food spending, declines in auto purchases and lower mobile communication fees as households shifted to cheaper plans.
Spending in November is seen declining for a second straight month. Nationwide supermarket sales rose from a year earlier, but because the nationwide consumer price index for goods grew at a faster pace, consumption in volume terms may have declined, potentially weighing on household spending for the month. Department store sales also increased, though growth likely remained below the pace of price gains.
New auto sales, which were a key factor dragging down household spending in October, are also expected to remain sluggish in November, reflecting continued declines in new passenger car registrations.
On a month-on-month basis, household spending is expected to rebound, rising 1.4% in November after falling 3.5% in the previous month. The monthly increase is seen being supported by firmer sales at department stores and convenience stores during the month.