Key Facts
• Aomori Regional Minimum Wage Council proposed industry-specific wage increases on October 22, 2025.
• Electrical machinery manufacturing saw a 77-yen increase, reaching 1,045 yen per hour.
• This marks the first time the sector’s minimum wage has exceeded 1,000 yen.
• Steel industry wages rose by 64 yen, reaching 1,109 yen per hour.
• Both sectors experienced record-high wage increases.
• Council Chair Takashi Ishioka emphasized wage increases as essential to attract skilled workers.
• Employers face challenges due to labor shortages and hiring difficulties.
• Objections to the proposal are accepted until November 5, 2025.
• New minimum wages are set to take effect on December 21, 2025.
Summary
The Aomori Regional Minimum Wage Council has recommended raising minimum wages across industries, with electrical machinery manufacturing surpassing 1,000 yen per hour for the first time. The sector’s 77-yen increase to 1,045 yen represents a record-high adjustment. Similarly, the steel industry saw a 64-yen rise to 1,109 yen. Council Chair Takashi Ishioka highlighted the importance of competitive wages to address labor shortages and attract skilled workers. Employers, however, face challenges in meeting these increases. Objections to the proposal are open until November 5, 2025, with the new wages expected to be implemented on December 21, 2025.
