Confidence at Japan companies up slightly but deep pessimism clouds future

TOKYO — Japanese companies remained deeply pessimistic even as a central bank survey showed their confidence improving from record lows, suggesting the world’s second-largest economy is crawling rather than sprinting out of recession.

Japan’s jobless rate rises to 5 1/2-year high while household spending edges up

TOKYO — Japan’s jobless rate rose to a five-and-a-half year high in May, the government said Tuesday, possibly delaying a recovery for the world’s second-largest economy even as manufacturers enjoy a nascent rebound.

Japan unemployment rises to 5.2 percent in May while stimulus boosts household spending

TOKYO — Japanese companies may be starting to boost production, but they certainly aren’t hiring yet.

Japan industrial output up 5.9 percent in May, rises for third month

TOKYO — Japan’s industrial output rose for the third straight month in May, the government said Monday, as manufacturers encouraged by signs of improving demand rushed to replenish inventories.

Deflation fears spread in Japan after consumer prices fall at record pace

TOKYO — Deflation is clawing its way back in Japan, and that’s not good news for an economy trying to recover from its worst recession since World War II.

Japan exports down 40.9 percent in May, adding to doubts about quick recovery

TOKYO — The slump in Japan’s exports showed little sign of relenting in May, with auto exports to the U.S. down more than half, adding to doubts about a quick recovery from the global recession.

Japan revises first-quarter GDP; contraction not as bad but still marks record

TOKYO — Japan’s economy shrank at a 14.2 percent annual pace in the first quarter — better than first thought, but still the worst quarterly contraction ever for the world’s second-largest economy.

Japan’s industrial output jumps at fastest rate in 56 years, but joblessness also rises

TOKYO — Japan’s industrial production jumped at the fastest pace in 56 years in April, signaling a recovery among manufacturers, but rising joblessness and falling prices clouded prospects for the world’s second-biggest economy.

Japanese minister defends stimulus package against criticism it’s loaded with pork

TOKYO — A Japanese minister defended his government’s $150 billion stimulus package Sunday against criticism it allocates too much money to wasteful pet projects meant to woo voters.

Japan jobless rate up, household spending down in March

TOKYO — Japan says its jobless rate rose and household spending fell in March.

Japan economy sees signs of emerging recovery; factory output up for first time in 6 months

TOKYO — Japan’s struggling manufacturers are showing signs of life: The government said Thursday that industrial production rose for the first time in six months in March.

Japan’s factories show signs of life as output rises for 1st time in 6 months, more gains seen

TOKYO — Japan’s struggling manufacturers are showing signs of life: The government said Thursday that industrial production rose for the first time in six months in March.

Japan says economy shrink 3.3 percent this fiscal year, worst since World War II

TOKYO — Japan’s economy is likely to shrink 3.3 percent this fiscal year, its worst contraction since World War II, the Cabinet announced Monday as it submitted a massive supplementary budget to finance a new stimulus package.

Japan says economy shrink 3.3 percent this fiscal year, worst since World War II

TOKYO — The Japanese government said Monday the economy is likely to shrink 3.3 percent this fiscal year, its worst contraction since World War II, as exports continue to plummet.