Industrial output rose 4.2 per cent in January from a month earlier, the first increase in three months, thanks to a sharp increase in production of electronic components and general machinery, as well as a small increase in car production, according to figures released by Japan's Ministry of economy, Trade and Industry on Friday.

Manufacturers surveyed by Japan's Ministry of economy, Trade and Industry expect industrial output to grow 2.1 per cent in February, but fell 6.1 per cent in March.

The Japanese government has maintained its assessment of industrial production, saying it is picking up.

A separate set of data released by the Japanese government on Friday showed that retail sales fell 2.4 per cent in January from a year earlier, the second consecutive month of decline, as measures taken to deal with the epidemic hit consumption.