Japan's trade surplus rose to $1.4 billion dollars in January - the first increase in 18 months - although exports and imports continued to fall as the country remain mired in recession.

Still, analysts are predicting a return to growth for Japanese exports amid increased demand overseas for Japanese goods and a weaker Japanese yen.

Japan's exports were hit hard last year by a global economic slowdown, especially after the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States.

Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.

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