Japan's industrial production fell in August for the first time in two months. Lower output of vehicles and chip-making equipment contributed to the decline.

The economy, trade and industry ministry says industrial production dropped 3.3 percent from the previous month, with declines for 12 of the 15 industries covered by the survey.

Automobile manufacturing slumped by 10.6 percent due to plant closures triggered by the impact of Typhoon Shanshan.

Lower output of chip-making equipment for export contributed to a 4.6 percent drop for the production machinery sector.

The ministry maintained its assessment that industrial production is fluctuating "indecisively."

Officials expect to see improvements in September and October. However, they say they will closely monitor economic trends in the United States, China and other markets, since external demand can rapidly influence Japan's manufacturing activity.