BOJ's Ishida: recovery on track even if GDP falls after tax hike

(Reuters) - Japan's recovery will remain on track even if the economy contracts in the second quarter after sales tax is raised on April 1, a Bank of Japan board member said on Wednesday.

Japan consumer prices rise in wake of high energy costs

Core consumer prices, which do not include the price of food, rose 0.1% from the same month last year, official figures from the statistical bureau showed.

Japan has been fighting falling prices amid slowing consumer demand.

However, analysts said the latest data is unlikely to end the country's fight against deflation.

Japan exports drop more than expected in May

Japanese exports dropped more than expected in May, renewing worries about the pace of Japan's recovery from an earthquake and tsunami.

Exports fell 10.3% from a year earlier, the finance ministry said. Analysts were expecting a drop of 8.4%.

Power shortages and supply chain issues in manufacturing continue to disrupt production and hurt overseas sales.