Japanese consumer sentiment improves in June, but remains subdued

Consumer confidence in Japan improved in June, according to data released by the Economic and Social Research Institute of the Cabinet Office.

The consumer sentiment index rose to 34.5, up from 32.8 in May, and above analysts’ expectations of 33.6.

The increase was supported by stronger willingness to buy durable goods (+2.8 points), improved income expectations (+0.6 points), better assessments of overall livelihood (+2.2 points), and a more favorable view of employment conditions (+1 point).

However, the index remains below the 50-point threshold, signaling continued pessimism among Japanese households.