TOKYO, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- Japan's industrial production increased in August from the previous month, marking the first rise in four months, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) said in a report on Friday.
According to the ministry's preliminary report, industrial production rose 0.7 percent in the recording month, with the seasonally adjusted index of output at factories and mines standing at 103.0 against the base of 100 for 2010.
The latest reading follows a revised 0.2-percent decline logged in July.
The index of industrial shipments rose 2.1 percent to 101.9, while inventories shed 0.4 percent to 110.7, the ministry's data showed.
METI maintained its view that industrial production is "picking up slowly, but shows signs of decrease in part."
Looking ahead, manufacturers surveyed by the ministry said they predict industrial output to increase 2.7 percent in September and 1.7 percent in October.
