Inflation Japan 2020

Average inflation: 0.0%

Current Inflation

Inflation is very low at 0.0%, well below the ECB target.

Peak and Trough

The highest inflation was in January at 0.7%. The lowest inflation was in December at -1.2%.

Highest month
January: 0.7%
Lowest month
December: -1.2%
Difference
1.9 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 2.3%. The lowest price increase was in Education with an average of -7.9%.

Highest increase
Furnishings, household equipment and maintenance: 2.3%
Lowest increase
Education: -7.9%

Historical Context

Current inflation is around the 5-year average of 0.4%.

5-year average
0.4%
10-year average
0.6%
All-time high (2014)
2.7%
All-time low (2009)
-1.3%

Trend

Inflation has remained relatively stable. Compared to 2019, the difference is minimal (-0.5 percentage point).

Change vs. previous year
-0.5 percentage points
Largest monthly swing
December: -2.0 percentage points

ECB Target

Inflation is 2.0% below the ECB target of 2.0%. Too low inflation may indicate economic weakness.

Purchasing Power

At this inflation rate, purchasing power gradually decreases. The impact on daily expenses is relatively limited.

What you could buy for €100 this year will cost approximately €100.00 next year at this inflation rate.

Multi-year trend

Monthly figures 2020

Inflation by category

Food and non-alcoholic beverages
1.2%
+1.2vs avg.
More details →
Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics
1.6%
+1.6vs avg.
More details →
Clothing and footwear
1.1%
+1.1vs avg.
More details →
Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels
-0.4%
-0.4vs avg.
More details →
Furnishings, household equipment and maintenance
2.3%
+2.3vs avg.
More details →
Health
0.3%
+0.3vs avg.
More details →
Transport
-0.4%
-0.4vs avg.
More details →
Communication
0.2%
+0.2vs avg.
More details →
Recreation and culture
1.5%
+1.5vs avg.
More details →
Education
-7.9%
-7.9vs avg.
More details →
Restaurants and hotels
-1.3%
-1.3vs avg.
More details →
Miscellaneous goods and services
-1.3%
-1.3vs avg.
More details →

Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.

Month overview

Month Inflation Difference vs. 2019
January 0.7% +0.5
February 0.4% +0.2
March 0.4% -0.1
April 0.1% -0.8
May 0.1% -0.6
June 0.1% -0.6
July 0.3% -0.2
August 0.2% -0.1
September 0.0% -0.2
October -0.4% -0.6
November -0.9% -1.4
December -1.2% -2.0
Average 0.0%

Data source

Data from OECD. Last updated: 11/01/2026.

See also