Japan's leading composite index, which anticipates changes in the economy's direction, rose to 104.4 in August from an upwardly revised 103.9 in July, according to preliminary data from the Cabinet Office.

The coincident index, which indicates the country's current economic state, ticked up to 117.5 from 116.1. The index was assessed as "improving."

The lagging composite index, which is a measure of turning points and business cycle phases, edged up to 117.7 from 117.5.