http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8204075.stm

Japan has come out of recession after its economy grew by 0.9% in the April-to-June quarter.

The growth comes after four consecutive quarters of contraction. 

Correspondents say the rise is due to a huge government stimulus package and it is unclear whether the momentum will be sustained when this is concluded. 

Recent figures show other economies coming out of recession, including Germany, France and Hong Kong, a sign the global slowdown is easing. 

Despite Japan exiting recession, the country's main share index, the Nikkei, fell back as the rate of growth was not as large as analysts had hoped. 

If Japan's latest quarterly rate were maintained for a full year, the economy would grow 3.7%, but this was less than market expectations of 3.9%. 

The Nikkei ended down 329 points or 3.1% to 10,269.

Japan did draft a $154Bn stimulus package not too long ago, which must have kickstarted some of the failing industries. They are large manufacturers of vehicles and high end electronics so I guess the stimulus money would have gone on those areas.

That's good to hear. Hope everything follows through well

I'm kinda curious how much the Cash for Clunkers stimulus in the US helped the Japanese economy.

It's a little early to think everyone has begun to pull out of this mess yet.

Well, let's hope the rest of the world pulls out soon... >_>