Japan's capital spending grew at a notably slower pace in the third quarter of 2025, reaching just 2.9%, according to the latest data updated on 30 November 2025. This marks a significant deceleration from the vigorous 7.6% growth reported in the preceding quarter.
This slowdown in capital expenditure growth, assessed on a year-over-year basis, indicates a potential cooling in economic activity as businesses may be reevaluating their investment strategies amidst changing market dynamics. During the third quarter of 2025, firms appear to have pulled back on their spending initiatives in contrast to earlier in the year, a shift that may have crucial implications for future economic performance.
Economic analysts will be monitoring upcoming quarters to determine if this reduction in capital spending represents a short-term adjustment or the beginning of a more sustained downtrend. The government's policy responses and global economic conditions will likely play essential roles in shaping the trajectory of Japan's business investment landscape moving forward.