Japan inflation edges up but way below target in August

Deflation is bad for the economy... 

Get used to it. Deflation, or least very low inflation, is endemic in today's globalized world.

I'm going to get in first, ganbate Japan under the LDP even growth at below 1% is unattainable it's been years of 0.01% of growth even then the revised figures lower it again. Might be time to change. For all our futures.

Look, unless people have more money to spend, and their taxes don't continue to rise, they will not spend at levels the gov't wants or needs. We keep hearing about how they are waiting for even lower prices, that is completely false. The are not spending because they don't have the money. Does the gov't hope that consumers here go the same route as North America and have people rack up tons and tons or credit card debt, spending on thinks they can't afford? That would be the only way for inflation to increase in this environment.

With fresh food and energy stripped out, prices rose by even less

Yeah what a surprise.... That's why it's ridiculous to include fresh food and energy in the inflation calculation since they can be very volatile (and by the way also outrageously expensive in Japan). So in other words, Japan's inflation is basically flat and has been for decades. Abe's government trying to insinuate that there is anything changing is just a PR lie.

What does anyone expect? Abe expects better because he keeps urging businesses that are making money hand and foot, to increase wages, they pay lip service to his requests, raise bonuses once or twice, but refuse to raise monthly wages to a point where it covers increases in taxes.

Consumers can not afford to purchase high end goods on stagnant wages, and keep facing high priced goods and services.

And let's not forget too that for people to spend money, they need time to do it, and not spend all their days, commuting back and forth to work.

And future prospects are not much better considering the man responsible for the mess just got reelected leader of his party. Which SHOULD be an indication to the people that what is going on inside the LDP is NOT in the best interests of the country!

Everything I buy is 20% more from 2 years ago. But new dictator abe said that things will improve and he has done a good job.

So most inflation is in food and energy.

Great news for a country with 28% over 65 years old and 20% over 70.

Really? I find this hard to believe. The only thing I know of that has inflated is Abe's ego after winning his seat again.

AGree with all of you. The future is looking very grim indeed with dear leader at the helm

In my opinion, prices are not rising because wages are not rising. There is still no disposable income for the vast majority. And, the people don't have confidence in the economic future of Japan, so they keep their money tucked away.

It's pretty clear what things need to be done, but the government has proved time and again that they are not interested in helping the masses - as opposed to helping their crony friends get richer.

Meanwhile, the people of Japan continue to bumble on through their 15 hour days of not really doing anything. They uphold the pantomime that is the labor force of Japan, and they don't demand any change. Completely subservient to their rich masters, and constantly ready to ostracize the few poor souls that do speak out occasionally.

Reap what you sew...

Raise our salary, Abe san, so we can have extra money to spend

Reduce our working time, Abe san, so we can have extra time to spend.

is it likely to raise our salary, Abe san ? answer is obviously, no. because it's the era of economic globalization. product will lose competition when raising the price.

is it likely to reduce our working time, Abe san ? answer is obviously, no. because the efficiency is so damn poor in Japan. why ? because we are so obsessed with teeny tiny and useless things.

Conclusion is dead end, Japan is doomed.

Low inflation and strong economic growth, and everyone who wants a jobs has job. who cares about the 2% inflation rate? Corporate profits at record high, Japanese household assets at record 17 trillion USD. Japan is kicking butt and taking names. GDP per capita the highest in the world. Japan is headed for moon

I don't want higher prices, thank you very much, so I am happy to read this.

I don't know how soon, but Japanese saved wealth will be halved, Japanese economy will be marginalized, unless a big change of Abe's policies happens. The world will split, Japan has to make choice, unless Japan wants to be splitted with it.

GDP per capita the highest in the world. 

Uh, no. Japan isn't even in the top 10 of GDP per capita. Even worse when GDP PPP is calculated.

Deflation is bad for the economy partly because the expectation of falling prices discourages spending and dampens growth.

Is this a news article, or an opinion piece? Funny how something that is a matter of opinion is presented as fact, and how that "fact" aligns perfectly with Abe and the LDP's political strategy.

Raise our salary, Abe san,

Good one. Unless you work on the prime minister's staff, he can't raise your salary. Your employer can raise your salary, or your union representative can negotiate for wage rises. So take your complaint to them.

How hard is this for people to understand? This forum has had millions of comments of people blaming the prime minister or central bank for being denied raises. Get a grip, people.

With fresh food and energy stripped out

because those costs, though liable to fluctuations, overall are progressively rising.... statistics vs reality.... smoke and mirrors....

the expectation of falling prices 

who knows anyone who's expecting prices to fall?.... more smoke and mirrors...... sheesh!