-- Japan's industrial production index slipped by a seasonally adjusted 0.5% in March, but rose 2.3% from a year ago, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said on Thursday.
Inorganic and organic chemicals, general-purpose and business-oriented machinery, and petroleum and coal products mainly contributed to the monthly decrease.
The shipments in Japan slid 1.1% in March from the month prior but climbed 2% from a year ago, the data showed.
Inventories declined by 1.5% in March from a month ago, and fell 4.9% year-on-year.
The ministry's most recent survey showed that producers expect the reading in April and May to increase 2.1% and 2.2%, respectively, month on month.