Japan's government raised its assessment of the economy for the first time since early 2015 citing upbeat view on exports, household spending and business confidence.
In its monthly report for December, the cabinet office said the economy is on a moderate recovery, while delayed improvement in part can be seen.
In November, the government had said, "the Japanese economy is on a moderate recovery, while weakness can be seen recently."
The government today said the private consumption shows movements of picking up. Earlier, the cabinet office assessed that private consumption holds firm as a whole.
Lifting its view on exports, the government said shipments show movements of picking up.
Further, the cabinet office viewed that firms' judgment on current business conditions is improving slowly. Previously, business sentiment was assessed to be almost flat.
Concerning short-term prospects, the economy is expected to recover, supported by the effects of the policies, while employment and income situation is improving, the cabinet office added.
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