Japan's exports fell at the fastest annual pace in six months in November as a persistently strong yen, Europe's sovereign debt crisis and a slowdown in emerging economies weighed on overseas demand.

The decline in exports and a jump in imports tipped Japan's trade balance into a deficit of JPY684.7 billion (USD8.8b), bigger than forecast and the second straight month in the red, finance ministry data showed on Wednesday. 

The weak reading casts doubt over whether Japan can achieve a solid economic recovery early next year, although the central bank is set to stand pat on policy at a rate review on Wednesday to save for now its limited options to support growth.