Japan Panel Lifts FY2026 Minimum Wage Guideline 4.9% to ¥1,176
Updated
Updated · Japan Today · Jul 29
Japan Panel Lifts FY2026 Minimum Wage Guideline 4.9% to ¥1,176
3 articles · Updated · Japan Today · Jul 29
Summary
A 55-yen increase set Japan's fiscal 2026 minimum-wage guideline at a nationwide average of ¥1,176 an hour, after the labor ministry panel reached a decision Tuesday.
The 4.9% rise aimed to ease inflation-driven pressure on workers while accounting for small and midsize firms facing higher materials and other business costs.
That gain was smaller than fiscal 2025's record 63-yen guideline hike, though last year's local panels ultimately lifted wages by 66 yen on average.
If prefectures follow the guideline, Tokyo's minimum wage would reach ¥1,280, while Kochi, Miyazaki and Okinawa would be lowest at ¥1,079; the new rates typically take effect from October.