Japan’s worker sentiment falls for 2nd month: survey

TOKYO, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) — Japanese workers are feeling less optimistic about the economy, with their sentiment falling for the second consecutive month in October, a government survey showed Tuesday.
The index measuring the workers’ mood stood at 47.5 last month, down 0.3 points from September, according to the Cabinet Office’s Economy Watchers Survey, which attributed the change to high prices leading to reduced customer visits and increased frugality in the retail sector.
The survey, conducted every month, covered more than 2,000 people in a range of industries to compare current economic conditions with those from three months earlier.
The survey included reports from a Kyushu supermarket, noting significant increases in rice and other food prices. In response, customers were visiting less frequently and purchasing fewer items to manage their expenses.
Despite the challenges, the Cabinet Office maintained that Japan’s economy is in a “moderate recovery,” bolstered by continued inbound tourism spending. However, the index for future economic outlook two to three months ahead dropped 1.4 points to 48.3, marking the second consecutive decline. ■