[1] Types of minimum wages and timing of revision
Minimum wages are set for each prefecture, requiring companies in the region to ensure their employees are paid above the standard. Aside from regional minimum wages, some industries have individual minimum wage rules, which are applied to workers in specific business fields. Regional minimum wages are renewed annually around October. Recently, fiscal 2024 minimum wages for all prefectures have been finalized.
[2] FY2024 regional minimum wages and effective dates
The national weighted average of regional minimum wages increased by 51 yen to 1,055 yen (1,004 yen in 2023), reaching the highest level since the current system was started in 1978.
In particular, Tokushima Prefecture saw the largest 84-yen increase. Unlike normal years, the date of effect for the prefecture is set at November 1, instead of October. It is seen long discussions have taken place across the country, following substantial pay hikes in this year’s spring wage talks.
Please check the Labour Ministry website for the list of prefectural minimum wages and dates of effect.
Companies should confirm their part-time workers’ wages are above the standards. Please also check hourly wages of workers who are paid monthly salaries.
[Reference]
The Labour Ministry, “List of regional minimum wages”
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/koyou_roudou/roudoukijun/minimumichiran/index.html
