Core machine orders in Japan tumbled 3.6 percent on month in July, the Cabinet Office said on Thursday.
That was well shy of forecasts for an increase of 3.3 percent following the 7.9 percent contraction in June.
On a yearly basis, core machine orders added 2.8 percent - also missing expectations for a jump of 10.3 percent after surging 16.6 percent in the previous month.
The total number of machinery orders, including those volatile ones for ships and from electric power companies, added 2.2 percent on month and 11.9 percent on year.
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