Key Facts
• Minimum wage to surpass 1,000 yen in all prefectures for the first time.
• Government’s 2025 guideline suggests a record 63-yen increase in hourly wages.
• Nationwide average minimum wage expected to exceed 1,100 yen, a 6%+ rise from last year.
• Prime Minister Ishiba to announce wage hike as part of growth strategy.
• Support measures, including expanded subsidies, to address small business concerns.
Summary
For the first time, Japan’s minimum wage will exceed 1,000 yen across all prefectures, with the nationwide average expected to surpass 1,100 yen. This marks a record 63-yen increase in hourly wages, reflecting a 6%+ rise from the previous year. Prime Minister Ishiba plans to announce this wage hike as a key component of his growth strategy, alongside expanded subsidies to support small businesses, which have expressed concerns over increased financial burdens.
