Japan's industrial production fell 2.1 percent in March from a month earlier, the government said in a report on Friday.

According to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the index of output at factories and mines stood at 99.6 against the base of 100 in 2010, with the drop in production following a 3.2 percent rise in February.

The index of industrial shipments rose 1.1 percent to 98.1, the ministry said, and inventories gained 1.6 percent at 109.8 in the recording period.