In March, Japanese retail sales grew 11.0% on t year, which is the fastest year on year pace since 1997. This is also the 8th straight month of increase on the annual basis. The February reading was 3.6%. Breakdown:- Japan Mar Retail Sales +11.0% Y/Y- Japan Mar Retail Car Sales +9.4% Y/Y- Japan Mar Retail Fuel Sales +5.3% Y/Y- Machinery Sales +37.5% Y/Y; - Japan Mar Retail Food, Beverages Sales +5.1% Y/Y; - Japan Mar Retail Apparel Sales +7.4% Y/Y; Feb +0.7%Official report