Japan's economy grew at an annualized real rate of 1.8 percent in the first quarter of 2026, revised down from the preliminary estimate of 2.1 percent, government data showed Monday.
Quarter on quarter, real gross domestic product (GDP), adjusted for inflation, expanded 0.45 percent in the January-March period from the previous three months, down from the initial reading of 0.51 percent, the Cabinet Office said.
In the reporting period, capital spending, the main factor behind the downward revision, contracted 0.7 percent from the previous quarter, compared with the initially reported 0.3 percent increase, due to weak investment in software and production machinery.
Meanwhile, public investment was revised slightly higher to a 1.5 percent gain from a 1.4 percent increase.
Private consumption, which accounts for more than half of Japan's GDP, expanded 0.35 percent in the quarter, revised up from 0.27 percent in the preliminary reading.
Exports rose 1.8 percent from the previous quarter, revised up from a 1.7 percent climb, while imports increased 0.4 percent, slightly below the initial estimate of 0.5 percent.
In nominal terms, Japan's GDP grew at an annualized rate of 2.5 percent in the January-March quarter, revised down from a previously reported 3.4 percent expansion.
Looking ahead, analysts warned that prolonged tensions in the Middle East could cloud Japan's economic outlook in the April-June quarter by fueling inflation, dampening private consumption, and disrupting petroleum and petrochemical supplies.
Japan's Q1 real GDP revised down to 1.8 pct
The "Steppe Partner 2026" joint army training between China and Mongolia wrapped up on Saturday in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, with the closing ceremony held at a Chinese army training base.
The ceremony officially began at 12:00 amid the raising of both Chinese and Mongolian national flags, with all officers and soldiers of both sides standing at attention, saluting solemnly. Leaders of the Chinese and Mongolian observation delegations distributed souvenirs to representatives of the participating troops at the event, and then the soldiers conducted a series of exchange activities including basketball games.
"During the joint training, we fought side-by-side with our Mongolian counterparts, coordinating our attacks and enhancing our combat capabilities through rigorous training. Living and working together day and night, we had cultural exchanges, shared experiences and forged deep friendships, writing a new chapter of win-win cooperation. This joint training also deepened our understanding about the importance of coordinated operations, providing invaluable experience for every participating officer and soldier," said Yu Jingyang, a member of the Chinese unit participating in the drills.
After the closing ceremony, the participating Chinese troops helped their Mongolian counterparts in loading supplies onto vehicles, dismantling and securing equipment. According to the relevant work plan, the Mongolian troops will depart from the Erenhot border crossing in two transport columns, with all departures expected done by June 10.
"Steppe Partner 2026" joint training wraps up in Inner Mongolia
