Japan?s job market showed signs of recovery in September when the unemployment rate fell to 4.6 percent. This rebound was aided by strong exports and improved consumer spending. A separate survey found that the ratio of job offers to job seekers also rose in September, indicating increased labor demand. Economic analysts feel that Japan, which is the world's second-largest economy, appears to be headed toward a solid recovery.
See "Japan's Jobless Rate Drops to 4.6 Percent", The New York Times, October 28, 2004