The Ministry of Finance released its trade data for Japan on the late Wednesday evening. Japan's trade deficit widened to ¥569.7 billion in August from a deficit of ¥268.1 billion in July. Analysts had expected a deficit of ¥541.3 billion.

The adjusted trade deficit was ¥358.8 billion in August, down from a deficit of ¥375.1 billion in July. July's figure was revised up from a deficit of ¥368.8 billion.

Exports rose 3.1% year-on-year, while imports dropped 3.1%.

Exports to Asia climbed by 1.1% year-on-year, exports to the United States increased by 11.1%, exports to China dropped by 4.6%, while exports to the European Union were down 0.2%.

Imports from Asia climbed 7.4% year-on-year, imports from the United States jumped 5.4%, and imports from China gained 14.6%, while imports from the European Union rose 21.8%.