Inflation Japan 1978
Average inflation: 4.2%
Current Inflation
Inflation is high at 4.2%, well above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in March at 4.8%. The lowest inflation was in October at 3.7%.
- Highest month
- March: 4.8%
- Lowest month
- October: 3.7%
- Difference
- 1.1 percentage points
- Months with data
- 12 of 12
Category Insights
The highest price increase was in Education with an average of 12.4%. The lowest price increase was in Furnishings, household equipment and maintenance with an average of 1.8%.
- Highest increase
- Education: 12.4%
- Lowest increase
- Furnishings, household equipment and maintenance: 1.8%
Historical Context
Current inflation is 7.2% lower than the 5-year average of 11.4%. This approaches the lowest level since records began (4.2% in 1978).
- 5-year average
- 11.4%
- 10-year average
- 9.6%
- All-time high (1974)
- 23.2%
- All-time low (1978)
- 4.2%
Trend
Inflation shows a downward trend. Compared to 1977, inflation has fallen by +4.0 percentage point.
- Change vs. previous year
- -4.0 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- May: -5.5 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 2.2% 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 €104.20 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1978
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1977 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4.5% | -4.9 |
| February | 4.5% | -4.8 |
| March | 4.8% | -4.7 |
| April | 4.2% | -4.6 |
| May | 3.9% | -5.5 |
| June | 3.9% | -4.7 |
| July | 4.6% | -3.1 |
| August | 4.6% | -4.0 |
| September | 4.1% | -3.6 |
| October | 3.7% | -3.9 |
| November | 3.8% | -2.7 |
| December | 3.9% | -1.1 |
| Average | 4.2% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 11/01/2026.