Real gross domestic product grew at an annualized 5.7 percent during the January-March period. The revised GDP growth figure, to be released in August, is expected to be lower due to revisions to consumption figures for single people, who boosted their spending during the first quarter.

Nonetheless, it is the first growth in four quarters and on the macroeconomic front, the economy is gradually recovering.

January-March growth was lower than expected, deflating economic expectations and dampening the sentiments of overseas investors. This will likely reduce pressure for a stronger yen.