Japan Household Spending Rises 1.8 Pct in Sept.

Tokyo, Nov. 7 (Jiji Press)–Household spending in Japan in September rose 1.8 pct from a year before in inflation-adjusted real terms, reflecting higher expenditures on automobiles as well as education and entertainment, government data showed Friday. The average spending by households with two or more members stood at 303,214 yen in September, marking the fifth consecutive month of increase, the internal affairs ministry said. Automobile purchases jumped 52.3 pct, apparently driven by the popularity of minivehicles and used cars. Spending on education and entertainment climbed 10.9 pct, lifted by expenses for domestic and overseas package tours, as well as higher entrance fees for cultural facilities related to the World Exposition in the western city of Osaka. Expenditure on donations surged 2.5 times as more people applied for the “furusato nozei” hometown donation program before a stricter rule banning reward points offered by intermediary websites took effect in October. Meanwhile, spending on food fell 0.5 pct as consumers remained budget-conscious amid rising prices. Spending was restrained for items that had risen in price, such as chocolate, onions and beverages. Purchases of rice surged 15.5 pct, up for the first time in five months. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]