Industrial production rose a seasonally adjusted 0.3 percent in August from the previous month for the first gain in three months.
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said Thursday in a preliminary report that the increase was mainly due to firm demand for electronic parts and devices as well as air conditioners.
The index of mine and factory output edged up to 101.0 against the base of 100 for 2000. The production index rose 0.8 percent in May, fell 1.3 percent in June and was flat in July.