The electronics and jewelry industries also stand out. Plywood and fisheries are not faring well. This is likely to deflate consumer spending. But general economic buoyancy is likely to stay high, with offshore money playing a large role in robust growth for the rest of 1995. The few bright spots include the computer chip and steel industries, the latter partly boosted by rebuilding in the Kobe earthquake zone.
Domestic demand is also fairly robust.
Inflation is still a concern, and government measures to keep it in check have not been effective. Interest rates are still rising. With limits on foreign buying eased, look out for selective overseas interest in bargain blue chips on the stock market. But the fundamentals are there for sustained performance throughout the year. However, a shortage of labor is beginning to worry planners.