Japan’s GDP grew 0.5% qoq in Q1 2026, accelerating from a downwardly revised 0.2% increase in Q4 and topping market forecasts of 0.4%, flash data showed. It was the strongest quarterly expansion since Q3 2024, amid a pickup in private consumption (0.3% vs flat reading in Q4), reflecting easing inflation pressures and steady wage growth. Public investment also rose for the first time in three quarters (1.4% vs -0.2%), helped by higher infrastructure spending. Net trade added positively, with exports accelerating sharply (1.7% vs 0.2%) on stronger overseas demand for autos and tech products, while imports rose at a much slower 0.5% (vs flat reading). Simultaneously, government spending growth was muted (0.1% vs 0.4%), and business investment increased more slowly (0.3% vs 1.4%), linked to elevated interest rates and softer corporate sentiment. Looking ahead, growth may remain subdued for the rest of the year as the Middle East conflict clouds the future path. source: Cabinet Office, Japan

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Japan expanded 0.50 percent in the first quarter of 2026 over the previous quarter. GDP Growth Rate in Japan averaged 0.42 percent from 1980 until 2026, reaching an all time high of 5.00 percent in the third quarter of 2020 and a record low of -7.20 percent in the second quarter of 2020. This page provides - Japan GDP Growth Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news. Japan GDP Growth Rate - data, historical chart, forecasts and calendar of releases - was last updated on May of 2026.

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Japan expanded 0.50 percent in the first quarter of 2026 over the previous quarter. GDP Growth Rate in Japan is expected to be 0.30 percent by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. In the long-term, the Japan GDP Growth Rate is projected to trend around 0.40 percent in 2027 and 0.50 percent in 2028, according to our econometric models.



Calendar GMT Reference Actual Previous Consensus TEForecast
2026-03-09 11:50 PM
QoQ Final
Q4 0.3% -0.7% 0.3% 0.1%
2026-05-18 11:50 PM
QoQ Prel
Q1 0.5% 0.2% 0.4% 0.4%
2026-06-07 11:50 PM
QoQ Final
Q1 0.2% 0.5% 0.5%



Components Last Previous Unit Reference
GDP Growth Net Trade Contribution 0.30 0.00 percentage points Mar 2026

Related Last Previous Unit Reference
Full Year GDP Growth 0.10 1.90 percent Dec 2024
GDP Annual Growth Rate 0.60 0.20 percent Mar 2026
GDP Constant Prices 593693.30 590673.30 JPY Billion Mar 2026
GDP from Agriculture 5899.90 5846.30 JPY Billion Dec 2024
GDP from Construction 31263.60 33235.90 JPY Billion Dec 2024
GDP from Manufacturing 110990.40 117803.70 JPY Billion Dec 2024
GDP from Mining 210.10 213.60 JPY Billion Dec 2024
GDP from Public Administration 28319.80 27748.90 JPY Billion Dec 2024
GDP from Services 24487.50 25345.00 JPY Billion Dec 2024
GDP from Transport 32462.70 31309.90 JPY Billion Dec 2024
GDP from Utilities 18737.60 17352.40 JPY Billion Dec 2024
GDP Growth Annualized 2.10 0.80 percent Mar 2026
GDP Growth Rate 0.50 0.20 percent Mar 2026
GDP Capital Expenditure 107889.90 107588.70 JPY Billion Mar 2026
Gross National Product 623576.90 620337.20 JPY Billion Mar 2026


Japan GDP Growth Rate
Japan's industrialized, free market economy is the fourth biggest in the world. Japan has the largest electronics industry and the third largest automobile industry in the world. Japan’s economy is well-known by its efficiency and competitiveness in exports oriented sectors, but productivity is lower in areas such as agriculture, distribution, and services.
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
0.50 0.20 5.00 -7.20 1980 - 2026 percent Quarterly
SA

News Stream
Japan Q1 GDP Growth Beats Estimates
Japan’s GDP grew 0.5% qoq in Q1 2026, accelerating from a downwardly revised 0.2% increase in Q4 and topping market forecasts of 0.4%, flash data showed. It was the strongest quarterly expansion since Q3 2024, amid a pickup in private consumption (0.3% vs flat reading in Q4), reflecting easing inflation pressures and steady wage growth. Public investment also rose for the first time in three quarters (1.4% vs -0.2%), helped by higher infrastructure spending. Net trade added positively, with exports accelerating sharply (1.7% vs 0.2%) on stronger overseas demand for autos and tech products, while imports rose at a much slower 0.5% (vs flat reading). Simultaneously, government spending growth was muted (0.1% vs 0.4%), and business investment increased more slowly (0.3% vs 1.4%), linked to elevated interest rates and softer corporate sentiment. Looking ahead, growth may remain subdued for the rest of the year as the Middle East conflict clouds the future path.
2026-05-18
Japan Q4 GDP Growth Revised Upward
Japan’s GDP grew 0.3% qoq in Q4 2025, higher than the flash estimate of 0.1% and in line with market expectations. The reading followed a 0.7% contraction in Q3, amid upward revisions to private consumption, business investment, and government spending. Private consumption, which accounts for more than half of the economy, was revised up to a 0.3% increase (vs 0.1% in an earlier estimate and after 0.5% growth in Q3), partly supported by Tokyo’s fiscal measures aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures. Business investment was also adjusted sharply higher to 1.2% (vs 0.2% previously, after flat growth in Q3), pointing to stronger corporate spending on capacity and equipment. Government spending rose 0.4% (vs 0.1% in the flash reading, after 0.1% in Q3), reflecting continued fiscal support. Meanwhile, net trade made no contribution to growth, as both exports (-0.3% vs -1.4%) and imports (-0.3% vs -0.1%) declined, partly due to softer external demand and weaker domestic import needs.
2026-03-10
Japan Posts Modest Growth in Q4
Japan’s GDP grew 0.1% qoq in Q4 2025, rebounding from a 0.7% drop in Q3 but missing market forecasts of a 0.4% increase, flash data showed. While business investment recovered (0.2% vs -0.3% in Q3), private consumption rose the least in a year (0.1% vs 0.4) amid persistent cost pressures, notably food prices. Meanwhile, government spending was subdued (0.1% vs 0.1%), and net trade did not contribute to growth, with both exports (-0.3% vs -1.4%) and imports (-0.3% vs -0.1%) declining. The latest reading suggests the drag from U.S. tariffs, with a baseline of 15%, is gradually easing, while diplomatic tensions with China persist. It also comes as Tokyo prepares to ramp up investment through targeted public spending following a sweeping election victory.
2026-02-15