Japan economy grew last quarter on better spending, exports

The government says Japan’s economy grew at an annual pace of 5.4% last quarter with boosts from improved consumer spending and exports

TOKYO -- Japan’s economy grew at an annual pace of 5.4% in October-December, boosted by improved consumer spending and exports, the government said Tuesday.

Japan’s real gross domestic product, or GDP, which measures the value of a nation’s products and services, grew 1.3% from the previous quarter, according to Cabinet Office data.

Growth got a boost after measures to curb the spread of coronavirus infections were lifted last year. The restrictions asked restaurants and bars to close early and large-scale events to be canceled or held with limited crowds.

The future remains uncertain, as the restrictions have come back lately in most parts of Japan, including Tokyo, as the fast-spreading omicron variant has infections and deaths surging.