Japan's customs-cleared trade surplus for the month of January stood at 381.5 billion yen, a complete turnaround from the 24.5 billion yen trade deficit a year ago and the 10th consecutive month of year-on-year growth, according to provisional figures released Thursday.

But the nation recorded a trade deficit with Asia of 34.3 billion yen -- the first time since January 1990 that the figure fell into the red -- reflecting the regional economic slowdown triggered by turmoil on the currency and financial markets.

The continued growth in the overall trade surplus is considered to be the result of sluggish domestic demand in contrast with robust economic activity in other nations, as well as the yen's depreciation against the dollar.