The Japanese economy has shown strong growth for the past two years, recently released figures have shown.
In the latest data published by the Japanese government the economy grew 4.8 per cent for the fourth quarter of 2006, with an increase in consumer spending helping to boost the economy.
Announcing the figures, director of national accounts at the cabinet office, Masayuki Goto, said that cheaper oil prices helped increase the spending budgets of country's population. Extra cash was spent on luxury items such as TVs, mobile phones, cars and travel.
"The data confirmed that the economy is continuing to recover," said Mr Goto.
GDP grew 1.2 per cent in the quarter, with consumption also up 1.1 per cent.
Interest rates in Japan are currently at 0.25 per cent with the rates remaining low as a measure to help the economy recover. Japan had a zero rate of interest for many years.
But with the economy recovering, some analysts believe that this may drive interest rates up.
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