The latest inflation figures for Tokyo show prices in the capital are still rising but at a slower pace. The consumer inflation rate for April fell below the Bank of Japan's 2 percent target. Tokyo's CPI is considered a leading indicator of nationwide inflation.

The internal affairs ministry says the consumer price index for Tokyo's 23 wards rose 1.6 percent this month from a year earlier, slowing from 2.4 percent in March.

The index excludes fresh food which tends to have wide price fluctuations depending on weather conditions.

It is the first time in three months that inflation has fallen below 2 percent.

One major factor is a sharp fall in education costs for families. The Tokyo metropolitan government made tuition at all high schools virtually free from this month.