Key Facts
• In 2025, all prefectures’ minimum wage exceeded 1,000 yen for the first time.
• 39 prefectures surpassed the national target increase of 63 yen.
• Kumamoto recorded the highest additional increase of 18 yen, followed by Oita (17 yen) and Akita (16 yen).
• The lowest hourly wage was 1,023 yen in Kochi, Miyazaki, and Okinawa.
Summary
In 2025, Japan’s minimum wage reform marked a historic milestone as all prefectures exceeded 1,000 yen per hour for the first time. According to Kyodo News, 39 prefectures surpassed the national target increase of 63 yen, with Kumamoto leading at an additional 18 yen, followed by Oita (17 yen) and Akita (16 yen). Despite the overall rise, Kochi, Miyazaki, and Okinawa recorded the lowest hourly wage at 1,023 yen. This development highlights significant progress in wage standards across the country.
