Tourism Recovery Helps Japan Grow in First Quarter

TOKYO—Japan’s economy showed a bigger-than-expected upswing in the first quarter, helped by a recovery in tourism that offset sluggishness in some leading economies.

Japan has just begun to benefit from post pandemic pent-up demand of the kind the U.S. experienced more than a year ago. Tokyo waited until last October to remove border controls for overseas tourists and lifted restrictions on big events earlier this year.

The world’s third-largest economy after the U.S. and China expanded 0.4% in the three months to March from the previous quarter, government data showed Wednesday, slightly above forecasts.

The Japanese economy grew at an annualised rate of 1.6%, outpacing 1.1% growth for the same quarter in the U.S., where high inflation and rising interest rates hit consumers. In China, another top market for Japanese-made goods, recent economic indicators such as the youth unemployment rate and retail sales have pointed to a sluggish recovery.

Economists say the main growth driver in Japan remains domestic demand. Spending is likely to pick up further after recent wage negotiations resulted in the biggest pay increase in three decades. The pace of inflation has slowed recently thanks to the government’s measures to ease the impact of higher energy prices and declines in import prices.

Overall consumer prices in Japan rose 3.2% from a year earlier in March, compared with 4.9% inflation in the U.S. in April.

In the January-March period, private consumption in Japan increased 0.6% from the previous quarter. Government travel subsidies boosted spending on hotels and restaurants.

Economy Minister Shigeyuki Goto said the economy would likely continue a modest recovery, supported by higher wages and corporate investment.

“We will realise sustainable economic growth led by private demand,” he said.

In another positive sign, the number of foreign tourists is quickly approaching the pre pandemic level, and those tourists are spending more than they did before the pandemic.

Spending per international visitor in the January-March quarter was ¥212,000, equivalent to $1,553. That was 44% more than the average visitor spent in the same period in 2019, according to the Japan Tourism Agency.

While domestic spending is likely to stay healthy this summer, the risk of slower growth in the U.S., China and elsewhere looms over the Japanese economy.

“Goods exports and production will struggle so long as the global economy flirts with recession,” said Stefan Angrick, an economist at Moody’s Analytics.

Japan’s exports dropped 4.2% in the first quarter from the one before it due to slowing growth abroad triggered by monetary tightening in the U.S. and other countries as well as weaker chip demand.

Italian fine wines are gaining momentum among Australian collectors and drinkers, with new data from showing a surge in interest driven by value, versatility and a new generation of producers.

Long dominated by France, the premium wine conversation is beginning to shift, with Italy increasingly positioned as a compelling alternative for both drinking and collecting.

According to Langtons, the category is benefiting from a combination of factors, including its breadth of styles, strong food affinity and more accessible price points compared to traditional European benchmarks.

“Italy has always offered fine wine fans an incredible range of wines with finesse, nuance, expression of terroir, ageability, rarity, and heritage,” said Langtons General Manager Tamara Grischy.

“There’s no doubt the Italian wine category is gaining momentum in 2026… While the French have long dominated the fine wine space in Australia, we’re seeing Italy become a strong contender as the go-to for both drinking and collecting.”

The shift is being reinforced by changing consumer preferences, with Langtons reporting increased demand for indigenous Italian varieties and lighter, food-first styles such as Nerello Mascalese from Etna and modern Chianti Classico.

This aligns with the broader rise of Mediterranean-style dining in Australia, where wines are expected to complement a wider range of dishes rather than dominate them.

Langtons buyer Zach Nelson said the category’s versatility is central to its appeal.

“Italian wines often have a distinct, savoury edge making them an ideal pairing for a variety of cuisines,” he said.

The move towards Italian wines also comes as prices for traditional French regions continue to climb, particularly in Burgundy, prompting collectors to look elsewhere for value without compromising on quality.

Italy’s key regions, including Piedmont and Etna, are increasingly seen as offering that balance, with premium wines available at comparatively accessible price points.

Nelson said value is now a defining factor for buyers in 2026.

“Value is the key driver for Australian fine wine consumers… Italian wines are offering exactly that at an impressive array of price points to suit any budget,” he said.

The category is also proving attractive for newer collectors, offering what Langtons describes as “accessible prestige” and a more open entry point compared to the exclusivity often associated with Bordeaux.

Wines such as Brunello di Montalcino and Nebbiolo-based expressions are increasingly being positioned as entry points into cellar-worthy collections, combining ageability with relative affordability.

At the same time, a new generation of Italian producers is reshaping the category, moving away from heavier, oak-driven styles towards wines that emphasise site expression and vibrancy.

“There’s definitely a ‘new guard’ of Italian winemaking… stripping away the makeup… to let the raw, vibrating energy of the site speak,” Nelson said.

Langtons is also expanding its offering in the category, including exclusive access to wines from family-owned producer Boroli, alongside a broader selection spanning Piedmont, Veneto, Sicily and Tuscany.

The company will showcase the category further at its upcoming Italian Collection Masterclass and Tasting in Sydney, featuring more than 50 wines from 23 producers across four key regions.

For collectors and drinkers alike, the message is clear: Italy may have been overlooked, but it is no longer under the radar.

Tourism Recovery Helps Japan Grow in First Quarter

Gross domestic product rose at 1.6% annualised pace in January-March period

Italian wines are emerging as a serious contender for Australian collectors, offering depth, rarity and value as French benchmarks continue to climb.