Japan's all industry activity dropped for the first time in three months in May, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry reported Thursday.

The all industry activity index slid 1 percent month-on-month in May, reversing a 0.8 percent rise in April. This was the first increase in three months but slightly slower than the expected drop of 1.1 percent.

Growth in construction activity slowed to 1.5 percent from 2 percent. At the same time, industrial production slid 2.6 percent, in contrast to a 0.5 percent rise in April.

Likewise, tertiary industry activity declined 0.7 percent, offsetting a 0.7 percent rise in April.

On a yearly basis, all industry activity climbed 0.5 percent in May in contrast to April's 0.2 percent decrease.