Overall consumer prices in Japan gained 0.4 percent on year in April, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications said on Friday.
That was in line with expectations and up from 0.2 percent in March.
Core consumer prices were up 0.3 percent on year – shy of forecasts for 0.4 percent and up from 0.2 percent in the previous month.
On a monthly basis, overall CPI was up 0.1 percent and core CPI was flat.
Individually, prices for food and fuel advanced 0.9 percent on year, while education costs added 0.7 percent.
Prices for furniture fell 0.9 percent and housing dipped 0.2 percent.
Overall inflation for the Tokyo region, considered a leading indicator for the nationwide trend, advanced 0.2 percent on year in May. That exceeded expectations for a flat reading following a 0.1 percent decline in April.
Core CPI for Tokyo was up 0.1 percent versus forecasts for a flat reading after falling 0.1 percent in the previous month.
On a monthly basis, overall Tokyo CPI was up 0.2 percent and core CPI gained 0.1 percent.
Individually, prices for recreation climbed 1.1 percent on year and food added 0.8 percent. Prices fell 0.7 percent for furniture and 0.6 percent for communications equipment.
Also on Friday, the Bank of Japan said that producer prices were up 0.7 percent on year in April. That was shy of expectations for an increase of 0.9 percent, and was down from 0.8 percent in March.
On a monthly basis, producer prices dipped 0.2 percent after jumping 0.6 percent in the previous month.
Prices for advertising, insurance and engineering all were down, while prices were up for communications and leasing.
by RTT Staff Writer
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