Japan’s economic momentum strengthened at the start of 2026, with gross domestic product expanding by 0.5% quarter-over-quarter in the first quarter of the year. The latest figure, updated on 18 May 2026, marks a clear acceleration from the 0.2% quarter-on-quarter growth recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025.
On a quarter-over-quarter comparison basis, the current reading reflects an improvement in the pace of growth relative to the previous period, where the 0.2% increase in Q4 2025 was itself measured against the performance of the third quarter. The new data suggests that Japan’s economy has moved into a stronger growth phase as 2026 begins, with activity in the latest quarter outpacing the modest expansion seen at the end of last year.
