• Japan’s factory activity contracted but approached the break-even point in April, a business survey showed on Tuesday, suggesting the key sector is finally picking up after months of sluggishness.
• The au Jibun Bank flash Japan manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) rose to 49.9 in April from 48.2 in March, remaining below the 50.0 threshold separating growth from contraction for 11 straight months.

https://www.reuters.com/markets/asia/japans-factory-activity-declines-slow-pmi-shows-2024-04-23/