Japan GDP shrinks 1.3 percent in April-June quarter

TOKYO — Japan’s government says the economy shrank at an annualized real 1.3 percent in the first quarter.

The Cabinet Office’s report Monday says the Apri-June result marks the third straight quarter of contraction of gross domestic product. The decline was mainly due to the impact of the massive earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan in March.

The March 11 disasters wiped out large parts of Japan’s northern coast, causing a major crisis at a nuclear power plant. The disasters also damaged many factories and disrupted manufacturing supply chains in the region.

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