Japan output rises for second year

TOKYO, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- Japan's industrial production for 2004 rose 5.5 percent from a year ago, the Economic Ministry reported Friday.

It marked the second annual increase in output.

But on a monthly basis, industrial production fell 1.2 percent in December from the previous month, as electronics manufacturers in particular tried to reduce inventories, the ministry said.

Looking ahead, the government said that industrial production is expected to rise by 2.8 percent in January and fall by 1.2 percent in February.