Japan's economy shrank for the first time in a year in the March quarter at a faster pace than expected, data showed on Friday, underscoring the fragile nature of its recovery now under threat from U.

Japan’s economy shrank for the first time in a year, illustrating its vulnerability even before sustaining the impact of US President Donald Trump’s tariff measures.

The first-quarter data will add to fears that the U.S. could slide into recession if there is a prolonged trade war. Polling shows voters are increasingly pessimistic about the economic outlook, fearing higher grocery prices and a recession in particular.