The Japan Consumption Activity Index is a Bank of Japan research measure intended to provide a timely view of private consumption, which the central bank says accounts for about half of Japan’s gross domestic product.
According to the Bank of Japan’s index documentation, the measure draws on a range of statistics covering sales and supply conditions for goods and services. The bank publishes the series in monthly and quarterly formats to support its assessment of consumer activity and broader economic conditions.
Japan Consumption Activity Index Tracks Household Spending Trends
The available data include nominal and inflation-adjusted measures, along with versions that either include or exclude adjustments related to the travel balance. The bank also provides breakdowns by categories of goods and services.
The Bank of Japan said releases are generally scheduled for 2 p.m. on the fifth business day of each month, though timing may change. It cautioned that the charts and data can be revised, changed without notice, or discontinued.
The central bank’s materials also list research papers describing methodological updates, including revisions associated with national accounts changes, evolving consumption patterns and the 2020-base revision of GDP statistics. The Japan Consumption Activity Index is provided as research data rather than as a standalone policy indicator.
