Japan's economy, the world's third largest, has slid back into recession after the devastation caused by the earthquake and tsunami in March. Gross domestic product shrank 0.9 per cent in the first three months of the year. Official figures show annualised rate of contraction of 3.7 per cent, worst than expected. Analysts say consumption and exports were the worst hit. Japan's economy has now contracted for two quarters in a row, the generally accepted definition of a recession. Japan sank into a recession during the global financial crisis, but had emerged from it in 2009. Japanese Economics Minister Kaoru Yosano said today that the economy is expected to remain weak for the time being. However, Mr Yosano said that supply constraints were easing and reconstruction demand was likely to spur growth.