Japan's industrial production rose for the second straight month in October. Increased output of chip-making devices and vehicles were major factors in the improvement.

The industry ministry says that industrial output grew 3.0 percent from the previous month. Eleven of the 15 industries surveyed posted gains.

Manufacturing machinery led the pack with an increase of 21.7 percent. Higher exports of chip-making equipment to China and Taiwan contributed to the rise.

Production of fabricated metals grew 8.1 percent, on the back of brisk shipments of springs for cars.

Automobile manufacturing rose 6.4 percent in response to increased overseas demand for passenger cars.

The ministry expects industrial production to decline in November and December, but it maintained its assessment that output is fluctuating with no clear trend.