Growth in Japanese machine tool orders accelerated in May, data from the Japan Machine Tool Builders' Association showed Thursday.

Tool orders rose 34.2 percent year-on-year during the month compared to 32.3 percent increase in the previous month.

In the domestic market, tool orders advanced 13.4 percent, while there was 45.6 percent increase in overseas orders.

The machine tool orders data reflects the movement of tools by manufacturers and is an indicator of factory sector health.