A government survey shows executives at major Japanese companies continue to be optimistic about the economy. But the latest reading of business sentiment also reveals that manufacturers are concerned about slowdowns overseas.

The government's business sentiment survey for the October-to-December period came in at plus 0.7. That is the second-straight quarter it was positive. The number means a majority of respondents believe economic conditions have improved.

The reading for non-manufacturers was plus 2.7 as economic activities returned to normal from the impact of the pandemic.

But sentiment among manufacturers worsened to minus 3.6. Chip makers worried about economic conditions in China and other countries.