Japan’s economy showed a marked acceleration at the start of 2026, with gross domestic product (GDP) expanding by 2.1% year-on-year in the first quarter, according to data updated on 18 May 2026. This compares with a 0.8% year-on-year increase recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The figures are based on a year-over-year comparison, meaning the latest reading reflects GDP growth in the first quarter of 2026 versus the same period a year earlier, while the previous figure measured growth in the fourth quarter of 2025 against the fourth quarter of the prior year. The sharp pickup from 0.8% to 2.1% suggests a strengthening growth momentum in Japan as the new year began.
