1. Types of minimum wages and the timing of revision
In Japan, a minimum wage is set for each prefecture. Companies are required to pay their workers no less than the amounts.
In addition to the regional minimum wages, specified minimum wages are also set for certain types of business. Among these two wage standards, regional minimum wages are revised annually around October. For fiscal 2022, the prefectures' Minimum Wage Councils have recently completed surveys and deliberations and submitted reports to the government to determine regional minimum wages.
2. Regional minimum wages for fiscal 2022
The weighted average of regional minimum wages has increased by 31 yen to 961 yen, compared with 930 yen of fiscal 2021. This is the largest hike since the current wage standard system started in 1978.
Companies have to ensure their part-time workers’ wages are not below the standards. Please also be sure to check hourly wages of employees who are paid monthly salaries.
Reference
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, “List of regional minimum wages” (Japanese)
http://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/koyou_roudou/roudoukijun/minimumichiran/
