TOKYO, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Japan's average monthly household spending in 2025 increased 0.9 percent from a year earlier in inflation-adjusted real terms, as higher spending on education, entertainment and cars offset a drop in food expenses amid inflation, government data showed Friday.
Monthly spending for households with two or more members came in at an average of 314,001 yen (2,002 U.S. dollars), according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
The Engel coefficient reached 28.6 percent in 2025, the highest level in 44 years, it said.
Food expenses, which account for a significant portion of household spending, continued to be affected by inflation in the year, falling 1.2 percent, as consumers reduced spending in the face of higher prices of confectionary items, breads and rice.
Spending on transportation and communications rose 6.7 percent, driven by higher outlays on automobiles after a steep drop the previous year caused by shipment suspensions linked to improper certifications, as well as higher air transport fees.
Consumers also spent more for entertainment in 2025, such as to purchase packaged tours for the World Expo held in Osaka from April to October last year.
In December 2025 alone, the country's household spending fell 2.6 percent from a year earlier. ■