On May 17, Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications released data showing that the nation's core consumer price index (core CPI) rose 1.4% in April compared to the same period last year. This increase was lower than analysts' forecasts and a decline from the 2.0% rise recorded in March.
According to the data, the core CPI (excluding fresh food) stood at 107.8 points in April. Authorities said the modest increase was partly due to the effect of a free lunch program at public elementary schools, which began in April. This initiative helped ease the cost of living pressures on households. Other factors influencing inflation during the month included energy prices and other essential goods.
