Japan's consumer confidence index rose to 48.1 in July from 46.6 in June, the third rise in four months, the Cabinet Office said. The headline index and all four sub-indices increased in July, showing a majority of Japanese were more optimistic about wages, employment conditions and their overall economic well-being. The consumer confidence index is based on replies to a survey asking about four aspects of consumer sentiment -- perception of general economic well-being, income growth, employment conditions and willingness to purchase durable goods. Respondents are asked if there has been improvement in those areas from three months earlier. Numbers above 50 mean that respondents reporting improvement outnumber those reporting deterioration. Figures below 50 mean a majority believe conditions have worsened. The sub-index for general economic well-being rose to 46.9 in July from 45.2 in June, while the income growth sub-index increased to 45.7 from 43.3. The employment conditions sub-index jumped to 49.7 in July from 48.3 in June. The willingness to buy durable goods sub-index stood at 50.2 from 49.7 previously