Sales at major Japanese supermarkets rose in June for the 16th straight month, due to higher prices and hot weather.

The Japan Chain Stores Association says total sales came to just over 1 trillion yen, or about 6.7 billion dollars. That's up 4.7 percent, in yen terms, from a year earlier.

Food sales rose 5.2 percent, led by agricultural products after unseasonable weather resulted in higher prices for some vegetables.

Home appliance sales were also brisk, up 11.7 percent, with hot weather boosting demand for air conditioners and electric fans.

Despite the rise in sales, the association noted that shoppers are buying fewer food items overall and are still cutting back on spending.