Key Facts
• On September 5, 2025, all prefectures finalized minimum wage rates.
• 39 prefectures exceeded the national guideline for wage increases.
• Minimum wage across Japan will exceed 1,000 yen per hour starting October 1.
• Wage increase guidelines: A/B rank +63 yen, C rank +64 yen.
• Largest increase: Kumamoto (+82 yen), followed by Oita (+81 yen) and Akita (+80 yen).
• Tokyo has the highest minimum wage at 1,226 yen; lowest is 1,023 yen in Kochi, Miyazaki, and Okinawa.
• The wage gap between highest and lowest narrowed to 203 yen, down 9 yen from last year.
• 27 prefectures delayed implementation to November or later; Akita’s new wage takes effect March 31, 2026.
• Earliest implementation: Tochigi on October 1, 2025.
• Delays mean some workers will wait up to six months for wage increases.
Summary
Japan’s 2025 minimum wage adjustments mark a significant milestone, with all prefectures achieving hourly rates above 1,000 yen. The increases, finalized on September 5, saw 39 prefectures surpass national guidelines, with Kumamoto leading at an 82-yen hike. Tokyo’s minimum wage remains the highest at 1,226 yen, while Kochi, Miyazaki, and Okinawa share the lowest at 1,023 yen. The wage gap narrowed to 203 yen, reflecting efforts to address regional disparities. However, implementation delays in 27 prefectures, including Akita’s March 2026 start, mean some workers face prolonged waits for higher wages. The changes aim to curb workforce migration and support economic equity nationwide.
