An index measuring activity among tertiary industries was up a seasonally adjusted 0.9 percent on month in May, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said on Thursday - coming in at 98.2.
The headline figure was well shy of forecasts for an increase of 1.7 percent following the downwardly revised 5.7 percent decline in April (originally -5.4 percent).
Industries that saw an increase in activity included retail sales, transportation, amusement services, real estate and utilities.
Industries that slowed in May included scientific research and financial services.
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