But from the beginning of autumn 2011, supply-side constraints are likely to ease as the power shortage problem is mitigated amid the progress with reconfiguration of supply chains. In fact, in the past two and a half months since the earthquake, an increasing number of factories have made progress in restoration efforts and resumed production.
Against this background, some firms have brought forward their originally targeted dates to resolve supply chain disruptions. As for consumer sentiment, which deteriorated sharply immediately after the earthquake, voluntary restraint has recently eased somewhat, and from April there have been signs of recovery in sales of electrical appliances as well as sales at department stores.