Japan’s central government debt fell ¥23.3 trillion in the July-September quarter as lower financing bill balances more than offset a rise in government bonds, Ministry of Finance figures released Nov. 10 showed.
The ministry put the combined balance of government bonds, borrowings and financing bills at ¥1,323.4 trillion on Sept. 30. That was ¥23.3 trillion below the June 30 level of ¥1,346.7 trillion. Compared with the close of the prior fiscal year, the total was lower by ¥20.5 trillion.
Financing bills fell ¥25.5 trillion from the previous quarter to ¥68.9 trillion. The decline in that category was larger than the overall decrease, as government bonds increased ¥3.1 trillion to ¥1,214.8 trillion. Borrowings decreased ¥0.9 trillion to ¥39.6 trillion.
Government bonds made up the largest share of the reported balance. The three rounded category amounts total ¥1,323.3 trillion, ¥0.1 trillion below the published total. The Ministry of Finance notes that figures may not add up because of rounding.
The ministry reported government-guaranteed debt separately at ¥26.3 trillion, down ¥1.1 trillion from June 30. The release also showed that this category was ¥0.9 trillion below its level at the end of the previous fiscal year.
The figures combine the general account with all special accounts. They also count government bonds held and borrowing within government. The ministry said the coverage differs from the central government defined in the SNA.
The ministry has scheduled its next release for Feb. 10, 2027, with data dated Dec. 31, 2026.
