Japan’s bank lending rose 4.5% year-on-year in February 2026, up from a downwardly revised 4.4% in January, marking the fastest growth since April 2021 and exceeding market expectations of 4.4%. Total outstanding loans across major, regional, and shinkin banks reached ¥663.8 trillion. Major banks led the expansion with a 5.7% increase, followed by regional banks at 4.3%. Shinkin banks, local cooperative lenders serving small businesses and communities, saw a more modest 1.5% rise, reflecting weaker credit demand in certain segments of the economy.
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