Japan's services sector bounced back into expansion territory in June, reversing a stall in activity recorded the previous month.
The latest Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) data indicates a return to growth, providing a positive counterpoint to recent stagnation in other parts of the global economy.
Despite the headline improvement, underlying business sentiment remains fragile.
Survey respondents cited intensifying cost pressures and ongoing concerns regarding geopolitical tensions in the Middle East as key headwinds.
These factors have kept confidence levels subdued, suggesting that the recovery in services activity may be fragile and subject to external shocks.
The data arrives amid a mixed global growth picture.