GDP growth (quarterly) · Japan
Japan GDP Growth Rate QoQ Prel
The Japan GDP Growth Rate QoQ Prel measures how much the economy of Japan, the total value of goods and services it produces after inflation, grew compared with the previous quarter.
- Importance
- High
- Released
- Quarterly
- Next release
- Currency
- JPY · Japanese yen
- Central bank
- The Bank of Japan
Latest figures
The latest release for Q2, published on 16 August 2026, came in at 0.3%, below the consensus of 0.5%, down from 0.5% the time before.
A weaker figure than expected points to slowing activity: the Japanese yen tends to soften and markets price in lower rates.
Over the last 7 releases it ranged from -0.4% to 0.7%, averaging 0.2%.
| Released | For | Actual | Consensus | Previous |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 Aug 2026 | Q2 | 0.3% | 0.5% | 0.5% |
| 18 May 2026 | Q1 | 0.5% | 0.4% | 0.2% ® |
| 15 Feb 2026 | Q4 | 0.1% | 0.4% | -0.7% ® |
| 16 Nov 2025 | Q3 | -0.4% | -0.6% | 0.6% ® |
| 14 Aug 2025 | Q2 | 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.1% ® |
| 15 May 2025 | Q1 | -0.2% | -0.1% | 0.6% |
| 16 Feb 2025 | Q4 | 0.7% | 0.3% | 0.4% ® |
Why it matters
GDP is the broadest measure of economic health. Two quarters of contraction are the common rule of thumb for a recession. Stronger growth supports corporate earnings, jobs and the Japanese yen, and can push the Bank of Japan towards higher rates; a contraction raises the odds of cuts.
How it is calculated
the Statistics Bureau and the Cabinet Office adds up spending in the economy: consumption + investment + government spending + exports − imports, measured at constant prices (real GDP) and adjusted for seasonal patterns. The first (advance or flash) estimate is revised as more data arrive. The US annualises the quarterly change.
GDP = C + I + G + (X − M)
Growth (qoq) = real GDP ÷ real GDP last quarter − 1
Annualised = (1 + qoq)⁴ − 1What changes mean
- Compare with the consensus and with the previous quarter; the first estimate gets the biggest reaction.
- Look at the mix: growth from consumption and investment is healthier than growth from inventories.
- An annualised US figure of 2% is close to its long-run trend; 0.5% quarter on quarter is similar in European terms.
Higher than expected: A stronger figure than expected points to a healthier economy: it usually supports the Japanese yen and local stocks, and can push bond yields up.
Lower than expected: A weaker figure than expected points to slowing activity: the Japanese yen tends to soften and markets price in lower rates.
A short history
Simon Kuznets built the first national income accounts for the US Congress in 1934. GDP replaced GNP as the US headline measure in 1991; international standards are set in the UN System of National Accounts.
Questions
What is the Japan GDP Growth Rate QoQ Prel?
The Japan GDP Growth Rate QoQ Prel measures how much the economy of Japan, the total value of goods and services it produces after inflation, grew compared with the previous quarter.
What was the latest Japan GDP Growth Rate QoQ Prel?
0.3% for Q2, published on 16 August 2026 (consensus 0.5%, previous 0.5%).
When is the next Japan GDP Growth Rate QoQ Prel?
On Sunday 15 November 2026 at 23:50 UTC.
What is the difference between quarterly and annual GDP growth?
Quarterly growth compares with the previous quarter (the latest momentum); annual growth compares with the same quarter a year earlier.
Educational content only, not investment advice. Figures are the published results as recorded by our calendar; market reactions described are typical, not guaranteed.