Japan's economy is on the road to a sane recovery at a slower than expected 0.8 percent annualized rate seen in the April-June period, the Cabinet Office said Friday.

Gross domestic product grew a real 0.2 percent during the period compared to previous quarter, marking the sixth consecutive quarterly growth.

While this was lower than the average market forecast for 0.4 percent quarterly -- or 1.7 percent annualized -- growth, a Cabinet Office official said that the recovery, attributed to a rise in personal spending encouraged by robust corporate results, is strong and expected to continue.