Economy, Services

Services have gained in importance for Japan’s economy. Their contribution to GDP has increased from 48 percent in 1966 to 55 percent in 1981, to 66 percent in 1999.

The most important service sectors in 1996 were real estate, wholesale and retail trade, personal services (such as hairdressing and health care), business services (such as business accounting and legal services), transportation and communications, and finance and insurance.