TOKYO, Jan 13 (Reuters) - Japan's service sector sentiment tumbled to a record low in December, a government survey showed on Tuesday, signalling a deepening recession for the world's second-largest economy.
The survey of workers such as taxi drivers, hotel staff and restaurant staff -- called "economy watchers" for their proximity to consumer and retail trends -- showed their confidence about current economic conditions slid to 15.9 from 21.0 in November.
It was the ninth straight month of decline.
The Cabinet Office started compiling this data in comparative form in August 2001.
The outlook index, indicating the level of confidence in future conditions, fell to 17.6 in December from 24.7 in November. (Reporting by Yuzo Saeki)