A measure of public opinion about the Japanese economy strengthened in March to hit its highest level in over a year, survey data from the Cabinet Office showed on Monday.
The current conditions index of the Economy Watchers' Survey, which measures the present situation of the economy, climbed to 53.3 in March from 52.0 in February. Economists had forecast the index to rise to 52.9.
A reading above 50 indicates optimism.
Further, this was the highest score since December 2021, when it was 58.3.
Both household and cooperative activities contributed to the increase in the overall index.
The outlook index that signals future activity improved to a 16-month high of 54.1 in March from 50.8 in the previous month.
Preceding this, official data revealed that consumer confidence reached a 13-month high in March.
