Japan’s economy picks up as COVID-19 curbs ease
Japan’s government upgraded its economic assessment for the first time in 17 months, citing a recovery in consumer spending and business activity as the COVID-19 situation improved. Consumer confidence rebounds The government raised its view on private consumption for the second consecutive month, saying that it was picking up as severe conditions due to the coronavirus were gradually easing. The services sector, which includes restaurants, entertainment and tourism, was especially…