Recent forecasts from the IMF and Japanese institutions project real GDP growth of 0.7-1.0% for 2026, following 1.2% expansion in 2025, underpinned by fiscal support offsetting energy price pressures, firm wage gains, and resilient exports tied to AI-related demand. Low unemployment near 2.5%, core inflation around 2%, and ongoing Bank of Japan policy normalization toward neutral rates reinforce the view of moderate expansion rather than contraction. Trader consensus at 95.5% against recession reflects this data-driven baseline. Tail risks include prolonged Middle East energy shocks or sharper U.S. tariff impacts that could tip growth negative, though current indicators show limited evidence of such outcomes materializing.