AI Data Insight
Japan's household food spending in Q3 2026 (August) fell by 1.4% year-over-year, widening from the previous decline of -1.3%. Although overall household spending declined by 3.1% YoY, outperforming market expectations of a 3.6% contraction, it still marked a ninth consecutive month of weakness. Despite some growth in real wages, soaring prices have caused consumers to continue tightening their belts on daily expenses such as food.