Gross domestic product grew by 1.5% in the three months to the end of September, compared with the previous three months, the Cabinet Office said.

The gain comes after three quarters of contraction, and indicates an annualised rate of growth of 6%.

However, some analysts said the strength of the yen and global economic problems may hurt further recovery.

Japan's economy was dragged into a recession after the earthquake, which caused severe damage to the northeast of the country. It also damaged factories and disrupted supply chains.

Nevertheless, the latest figures show that exports are improving, helping economic growth pick up. Net exports accounted for just over a third of the growth in the third quarter, according to the Cabinet Office data.

"The return to growth in the third quarter reflects the recovery in supply chains, which lifted factory output and consumption," said Yasuo Yamamoto from Mizuho Research Institute.