Japan's key economic data rises, downward predictions maintained

TOKYO -- The key index measuring Japan's economic conditions increased in February for the first time in four months, however, the Japanese government upheld its assessment of Japan entering a recessionary phase, local media reported Friday.

Japan's coincident index of business conditions in February stood at 98.8 against the 2015 base of 100, rising 0.7 point compared to the previous month, government statistics revealed Friday.

According to a survey by the Cabinet Office, the index was "signaling a possible turning point to the downside" for the second consecutive month.

The office said the key statistics had risen due to a recovery in the production and shipments of car in the reporting month.

After evaluating the index prior to January, the Cabinet Office had said that the country's economic conditions were "weakening".

The downward revision has raised concerns over the government's assertion that Japan's economic growth from December 2012 had possibly surpassed a 73-month streak from 2002 to 2008.

In January, the indicator was viewed as showcasing that Japan's economy remained in its longest growing period in the postwar era, according to the government.