AI Data Insight
In Q2 2026 (April), the average household food expenditure in Japan dropped to 92,063 yen, a significant decline of over 5% compared to 97,100 yen in Q1, highlighting weak end-user consumption momentum. Although the "Shunto" spring wage offensive drove nominal wage growth, the yen's depreciation and persistently high inflation continue to erode purchasing power, prompting citizens to cut back on spending. It is expected that the Japanese consumer market will continue to face a painful period in the short term.