The Japanese Consumer Confidence worsened sharply in April 2020 to 21.6 from previous month 30.9. The Cabinet Office survey showed on Thursday that it is lowest on record since 1982 due to damage by coronavirus pandemic and policies of social distancing. The worsening was seen in all sub-indices. The overall livelihood tumbled to 8.1 points, employee perceptions 12.9 points, income growth assessment drop to 8.5 points and willingness to buy durable goods down to 7.7 points.
The reading of Japanese Consumer Confidence below 50 suggests negativity, while reading of 50 indicate no change while reading above 50 is considered good for financial and economic growth. The report of Japanese Consumer Confidence is released on monthly basis usually during the middle of each month at 5:00 GMT by the Cabinet Office Japan.