While total consumer credit rose in April, consumers shied away from using credit cards, according to the latest government data released Friday.

By Satoshi Sugiyama TOKYO (Reuters) -Japanese household spending rose for the first time in 14 months in April from the year earlier, data showed on Friday, although the tepid growth showed consumers remained reluctant to loosen their purse-strings in the face of higher prices.

Japan's household spending rose in April for the first time in 14 months, official data showed Friday, as wages grow at the fastest pace in three decades.

Total consumer credit rose at a 1.5% annual rate in April, recovering after a 0.3% drop in the prior month, the Federal Reserve said Friday. Revolving credit, mainly credit cards, was weak in April, slipping at a 0.