Inflation Japan 1981
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 January at 7.2%. The lowest inflation was in November at 3.8%.
- Highest month
- January: 7.2%
- Lowest month
- November: 3.8%
- Difference
- 3.4 percentage points
- Months with data
- 12 of 12
Category Insights
The highest price increase was in Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics with an average of 7.7%. The lowest price increase was in Communication with an average of -0.4%.
- Highest increase
- Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics: 7.7%
- Lowest increase
- Communication: -0.4%
Historical Context
Current inflation is 0.9% lower than the 5-year average of 5.8%.
- 5-year average
- 5.8%
- 10-year average
- 9%
- All-time high (1974)
- 23.2%
- All-time low (1979)
- 3.7%
Trend
Inflation shows an upward trend. Compared to 1980, inflation has risen by -2.9 percentage point.
- Change vs. previous year
- -2.9 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- September: -4.7 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 1981
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1980 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 7.2% | +0.8 |
| February | 6.3% | -1.4 |
| March | 6.1% | -1.6 |
| April | 5.0% | -3.1 |
| May | 5.0% | -3.0 |
| June | 4.8% | -3.4 |
| July | 4.4% | -3.1 |
| August | 4.2% | -4.2 |
| September | 4.0% | -4.7 |
| October | 4.2% | -3.3 |
| November | 3.8% | -4.2 |
| December | 4.3% | -2.6 |
| Average | 4.9% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 13/01/2026.