TOKYO, Nov. 10 (Xinhua) -- Japan's household spending fell 6.8 percent in inflation-adjusted real terms in September from a year earlier, declining for the 10th consecutive month, government data showed Tuesday.
The drop was the steepest since a 10.2 percent plunge in September 2020 and more than doubled from a 3.1 percent decline in August, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
The ministry attributed the decline partly to unfavorable weather, including prolonged periods of rain, which prompted people to cut back on outings and shopping and dampened demand for summer goods.
Households with two or more people spent an average of 289,536 yen (around 1,832 U.S. dollars) during the month.
Spending fell in nine of the 10 major categories. Outlays on utilities, including electricity, gas and water, dropped 10.5 percent from a year earlier, reflecting lower electricity consumption as cooler weather than last year reduced air conditioning use, the ministry said.
Food and beverage spending slipped 2.5 percent, the fourth straight monthly decline, partly because higher prices and the weather weighed on drink purchases.
Expenditures on furniture and home appliances fell 6.4 percent, due in part to weaker purchases of air conditioners. Outlays on clothing and footwear decreased 3.6 percent, as heavy rains and typhoons discouraged shopping and outdoor activities.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the Pacific side of eastern Japan recorded the most rainfall for September since data became available in 1946, as well as the fewest hours of sunshine for the month.
Household spending is a key indicator of private consumption, which accounts for more than half of Japan's gross domestic product.
Meanwhile, the average monthly income of salaried households with two or more people rose 0.9 percent in real terms to 528,074 yen, the ministry said. ■