Japanese Economic Trend

Japanese Economic Trend (released in July 2010)
In July, the Japanese government announced that although Japan's economy has been picking up steadily and the foundation for a self-sustaining recovery is being laid, it remains in a difficult situation such as a high unemployment rate. As for short-term prospects, although some severe aspects remain in the employment situation, the economy is expected to be headed for a self-sustaining recovery as corporate profits continue to improve, reflecting improvement in overseas economies and the effects of policy measures including the Emergency Economic Measures. On the other hand, attention should be given to the risks that the economy is depressed by a possible slowdown in overseas economies, especially in the Unites States and Europe, fluctuations in the financial and capital markets, and the influence of deflation. It should also be noted that there is still concern that the employment situation could deteriorate.　The consumer price index for January was 99.3, rose by 0.1 point from the previous month. The actual number of the unemployed decreased by 80,000 from April 2010, while the unemployment rate rose by 0.1 point to 5.2%.

Monthly Economic Report (Released by Cabinet Office, Government of Japan)

Annualized GDP Changes by Quarters <2004 - 2010>　（Seasonally Adjusted）

Glossary
Real GDP: The total market value of all goods and services produced within the political boundaries of an economy during a given period of time, usually one year.
Consumer Price Index: The measure of change in consumer prices as determined by a monthly survey of the National Statistics Bureau. Among the Consumer Price Index components are the costs of housing, food, transportation, and electricity.

Unemployment Rate % and Unemployment Population