Japan Approaches Record for Longest Economic Expansion Since World War II

Japan is set to match a post-war growth record with its 72nd consecutive month of expansion, official data is expected to show.

• The government affirmed its view of a "moderate recovery" in its monthly economic report released Tuesday.
• The Cabinet Office's leading indicator is projected to register the 72nd straight month of growth when the May data is published on July 7.
• Japan exited decades of deflation in May 2020, with positive inflation and rising wages since then.
• Prime Minister Sana Takayoshi's temporary subsidies have partly driven consumer spending, though inflation continues to strain household purchasing power.