Japan service sector sentiment index rises in April

Published: 12 May 2009 21:10:37 PST

TOKYO, May 13 - Japan's service sector sentiment rose in April for a fourth consecutive month, a government survey showed on Wednesday, as the government's plan to hand out one-time payments to citizens and tax breaks for environment-friendly cars boosted sentiment.

The survey of workers such as taxi drivers, hotel staff and restaurant staff -- called "economy watchers" for their proximity to consumer and retail trends -- showed their confidence about current economic conditions rose to 34.2 from 28.4 in March.

It hit a record low of 15.9 in December.

The Cabinet Office said that although economic conditions are severe, the deterioration seems to be coming to an end.

The Cabinet Office started compiling the data in comparative form in August 2001.

The outlook index, indicating the level of confidence in future conditions, rose to 39.7 from 35.8 in March.