The revised Q1 GDP figures and April wage data released this week suggest the economy was a little more resilient than first appeared in the early part of this year. And the economy is looking increasingly well set for a strong rebound in the second half of the year. Daily COVID cases and the number of patients in hospital have continued to plunge. With 98% of Japan’s municipalities expecting to be able to meet the government’s target of finishing vaccinations for the over-65s by end-July, the risk of the healthcare system being stretched to breaking point again is diminishing. The only remaining major downside risk now is the prospect of a more infectious variant – such as that first found in India – taking hold rapidly soon.
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