Gov’t panel backs a substantial minimum wage hike

July 29 , 2023

On July 28, a government advisory panel recommended a significant increase in minimum wage to a national average of ¥1,002, the first time it will breach the ¥1,000-level, if approved. The recommendation, which offsets rising cost of living expenses, was made after strong Komeito lobbying. Earlier this month, Komeito Chief Representative Natsuo Yamaguchi called for a flat ¥1,000/hour minimum wage to be adopted across the nation, with the goal to set up a growth cycle in which wage hikes can be sustained into 2024 and beyond.