TOKYO -- Japan's inflation rate fell in March from the previous month, as price rises for nonperishable foods and accommodation moderated, data released on Friday by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications shows.

The core consumer price index, which excludes fresh food, rose 2.6% from a year earlier, down from a 2.8% increase in February. The latest figures were in line with the median forecast of 2.6% core inflation among 17 economists surveyed by QUICK.