TOKYO - Japan's street-level economic sentiment improved for a third consecutive month in July, supported by sharply hotter weather after the end of the rainy season and the start of the summer vacation period, with stronger sales of products including men's parasols and air conditioners.
The Cabinet Office said on August 11 that the current conditions index in its July Economy Watchers Survey rose 1.7 points from the previous month to 45.7.
The monthly survey asks about 2,000 people working across Japan about their perceptions of current economic conditions, providing a snapshot of sentiment among businesses and workers with close contact with consumers.
The index increased for the third consecutive month as the end of the rainy season brought a rapid rise in temperatures and the summer holiday period began.
Retailers reported growing sales of men's parasols and air conditioners as consumers sought relief from the intense summer heat.
Restaurants also reported increases in customer numbers and sales following the start of the summer vacation period.
Conditions were weaker in parts of Kyushu, however, where respondents said the Kumamoto earthquake had led to a succession of hotel cancellations, weighing on local business activity.
Source: TBS
