Updated
Updated · Nippon.com · Jun 4
Major Japanese Firms Raise 2026 Wages 5.46% to ¥19,964, Third Straight Year Above 5%
Updated
Updated · Nippon.com · Jun 4

Major Japanese Firms Raise 2026 Wages 5.46% to ¥19,964, Third Straight Year Above 5%

1 articles · Updated · Nippon.com · Jun 4

Summary

  • Keidanren’s first fiscal 2026 tally showed major Japanese companies agreed average pay hikes of 5.46%, or ¥19,964 a month, in spring labor talks.
  • The increase marked a third consecutive year above 5% and the largest yen gain since comparable records began in 1976.
  • Information and communications led industry increases at 8.28%, followed by construction at 7.63% and printing at 6.81%.
  • Nonmanufacturers posted a 5.85% rise—an all-time high in data going back to 1997—while manufacturers recorded 5.29%.
  • The survey covered 248 major companies in 23 industries, with the headline average based on responses from 103 Keidanren member firms.

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