Unemployment in Japan has reached record levels.

The latest government figures put the jobless rate at four-point-four percent, equal to that of the United States.

The figure is the highest since the Japanese government began collecting data in the present form, in 1953.

Analysts say declining consumer spending has forced Japanese companies to lay off workers.

Last month, the government put forward a plan to stimulate the economy which included tax cuts, new spending plans and free vouchers to boost consumer demand.