2008年12月,日本工业生产较上月下滑9.6%,创最大跌幅纪录;出口较上年同期下降35%,创出最大纪录降幅。机械订单总额持续萎缩导致了民间投资的低迷;日本景气动向指数继续恶化。失业率触及三年高点,所有家庭支出减少,日本消费者信心指数再创新低。一系列数据凸显日本经济面临衰退加深。 In December 2008, Japan’s industrial production slid 9.6% from the previous month, setting a record for the largest decline. Exports dropped 35% from a year earlier, setting a record drop. The continuous decline of the total machinery orders led to the downturn of private investment; Japan’s prosperity index continued to deteriorate. Unemployment hit a three-year high, with all household spending declining and Japan’s consumer sentiment index hitting new lows. A series of data highlight Japan’s economy is deepening recession.