Inflation Japan 1972
Average inflation: 4.9%
Current Inflation
Inflation is high at 4.9%, well above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in August at 5.9%. The lowest inflation was in September at 3.9%.
- Highest month
- August: 5.9%
- Lowest month
- September: 3.9%
- Difference
- 2.0 percentage points
- Months with data
- 12 of 12
Category Insights
The highest price increase was in Health with an average of 9.3%. The lowest price increase was in Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics with an average of 0.0%.
- Highest increase
- Health: 9.3%
- Lowest increase
- Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics: 0.0%
Historical Context
Current inflation is 1.1% lower than the 5-year average of 6.0%. This approaches the lowest level since records began (4.9% in 1972).
- 5-year average
- 6%
- 10-year average
- 6%
- All-time high (1970)
- 6.8%
- All-time low (1972)
- 4.9%
Trend
Inflation shows a downward trend. Compared to 1971, inflation has fallen by +1.4 percentage point.
- Change vs. previous year
- -1.4 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- September: -4.1 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 2.9% above the ECB target of 2.0%. This means purchasing power is declining faster than intended.
Purchasing Power
At this inflation rate, purchasing power noticeably decreases. Without a salary increase, you can buy less with the same money.
What you could buy for €100 this year will cost approximately €104.90 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1972
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1971 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4.1% | -2.4 |
| February | 4.5% | -1.5 |
| March | 5.3% | 0.0 |
| April | 5.0% | -0.8 |
| May | 5.2% | -1.2 |
| June | 4.8% | -2.1 |
| July | 5.0% | -1.9 |
| August | 5.9% | -1.1 |
| September | 3.9% | -4.1 |
| October | 4.4% | -2.1 |
| November | 5.1% | -0.4 |
| December | 5.7% | +0.9 |
| Average | 4.9% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 11/01/2026.