Japan Economy Grows 0.2% in Q4, 2025 Expansion 1.1% Amid Export Slump

Japan's economy expanded 0.2% annually in Q4, with full-year 2025 growth at 1.1%, weighed by a 1.1% drop in exports, offset by 0.4% private consumption. Prime Minister Takaichi plans stimulus, including suspending food sales tax. GDP contracted 0.7% Q3-Q4, avoiding recession after 0.5% Q2 growth. Quarterly growth was 0.1% in Q4; 2025 was the fastest since 2022. The government forecasts ~0.6% growth in the near term.