Household spending in Japan dropped in October, posting its first year-on-year decline in six months. Shoppers feeling the squeeze from rising prices are cutting back on food items.
The internal affairs ministry says expenditures by households of two or more people fell 3 percent from a year earlier. That's adjusted for inflation.
The average for the month was 306,872 yen or about 1,980 dollars.
Spending on food declined 1.1 percent, the fifth consecutive monthly drop. People responded to price hikes by reducing outlays for beverages and alcohol.
Communication expenditures fell 14.5 percent. The ministry says more consumers switched to lower-priced mobile phone plans.
Spending on "private transportation" was also down 9.3 percent. That's the first decline in nine months.
Drivers cut back on purchases of autos, as mini vehicles and used cars drew greater demand.

Quiz 1:
What was the year-on-year change in household spending by households of two or more people in October, as adjusted for inflation?
A. It increased by 3%
B. It decreased by 3% (Correct answer)
C. It remained unchanged
D. It increased by 1%

Quiz 2:
In which category did expenditures decline the most in October?
A. Food
B. Communication
C. Private transportation (Correct answer)
D. Alcohol and beverages

Quiz 3:
What was the average monthly household spending in yen for October?
A. 250,001 yen
B. 306,872 yen (Correct answer)
C. 400,000 yen
D. 500,000 yen