Inflation Japan 1974
Average inflation: 23.2%
Current Inflation
Inflation is very high at 23.2%, far above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in February at 24.9%. The lowest inflation was in December at 21.0%.
- Highest month
- February: 24.9%
- Lowest month
- December: 21.0%
- Difference
- 3.9 percentage points
- Months with data
- 12 of 12
Category Insights
The highest price increase was in Furnishings, household equipment and maintenance with an average of 37.0%. The lowest price increase was in Communication with an average of 1.3%.
- Highest increase
- Furnishings, household equipment and maintenance: 37.0%
- Lowest increase
- Communication: 1.3%
Historical Context
Current inflation is 12.6% higher than the 5-year average of 10.6%. This approaches the highest level since records began (23.2% in 1974).
- 5-year average
- 10.6%
- 10-year average
- 10.6%
- All-time high (1974)
- 23.2%
- All-time low (1972)
- 4.9%
Trend
Inflation shows an upward trend. Compared to 1973, inflation has risen by +11.6 percentage point.
- Change vs. previous year
- +11.6 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- February: +17.9 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 21.2% above the ECB target of 2.0%. This means purchasing power is declining faster than intended.
Purchasing Power
At this high inflation rate, purchasing power rapidly decreases. This has a major impact on households, especially without adequate salary increases.
What you could buy for €100 this year will cost approximately €123.20 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1974
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1973 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 21.9% | +15.2 |
| February | 24.9% | +17.9 |
| March | 22.8% | +14.1 |
| April | 23.7% | +14.3 |
| May | 22.0% | +11.2 |
| June | 22.3% | +11.3 |
| July | 23.8% | +12.1 |
| August | 23.9% | +12.0 |
| September | 22.5% | +8.3 |
| October | 24.8% | +10.9 |
| November | 24.5% | +9.3 |
| December | 21.0% | +2.7 |
| Average | 23.2% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 13/01/2026.