Last month's Economy Watcher survey, which asked working people how they felt about the economy, revealed that the effects of the Noto Peninsula earthquake led to a decline in consumer confidence and a decrease in tourists, mainly in the Hokuriku region, so the index showing the current state of the economy is For the first time in four months, it was lower than the previous month.
The Cabinet Office publishes an index every month by asking over 2,000 working people how they feel about the economy compared to three months ago.
In last month's survey, the index indicating the current state of the economy was 50.2, 1.6 points lower than the previous month, and the first decline in four months.
By region, the Hokuriku region, which was affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake that occurred last month, had the largest drop of 41.3 points, down 9.1 points from the previous month, the largest among the 12 regions nationwide.
In the survey,
a department store in the Hokuriku region said, ``Since the earthquake, consumer confidence has dropped significantly,'' and a
hotel in the Hokuriku region also said, ``The number of tourists has decreased sharply due to the earthquake, and banquets have been canceled. Most of the events have been cancelled, and we are no longer receiving reservations.''
Regarding the economy, the Cabinet Office maintains its view that ``although the trend toward gradual recovery continues, there are signs of a lull,'' and points out that ``the impact of the Noto Peninsula earthquake is also being seen.''
On the other hand, the index showing the economic outlook for two to three months ahead was 52.5, 2.1 points higher than the previous month, marking the third consecutive month of increase.