Japan economy returns to growth in fourth quarter as consumption edges up

Riyadh, February 16, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Japan’s economy expanded at an annualised real rate of 0.2% in the October–December period, marking the first growth in two quarters, according to government data released on Monday.

Real gross domestic product rose 0.1% from the July–September period, based on a preliminary report by the Cabinet Office.

For the full year 2025, nominal GDP increased 4.5% from the previous year to 662.79 trillion yen ($4.3 trillion), Kyodo News reported.

In real terms, GDP totalled 590.68 trillion yen, up 1.1%, according to the Cabinet Office.

Private consumption, which accounts for more than half of the economy, rose 0.1% in the quarter, extending its streak to a seventh consecutive quarterly increase.