Economyjp Official institution
Japan's Central Minimum Wage Council issues its 2026 regional minimum wage guideline
Japan's Central Minimum Wage Council met on July 28, 2026 for its 75th session. Members discussed a subcommittee report on the guideline for regional minimum wage increases and issued their answer on the 2026 guideline. The guideline is the reference figure the council gives local councils when they set minimum wages for each region.
What does it mean?
Japan sets a minimum hourly pay rate for each region, and this council gives the guideline that local councils use when they decide those rates. The July 28, 2026 meeting completed the step of sending that guideline out for the coming year.
Who is affected?
Workers paid the regional minimum wage in Japan and employers who must pay it.