💴 Minimum Wage to Average ¥1,177 — Up ¥56

❓ What's changing?

On September 3, 2026, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare compiled the FY2026 regional minimum wage revisions recommended by the local minimum wage councils in all 47 prefectures. The national weighted average stands at ¥1,177, a ¥56 increase from last year's ¥1,121 — the second largest rise since the "meyasu" (guideline) system began in FY1978. The increase varies by prefecture, ranging from ¥54 to ¥65: ¥65 in one prefecture, ¥64 in one, ¥63 in two, ¥62 in two, ¥61 in four, ¥60 in four, ¥59 in five, ¥58 in four, ¥57 in seven, ¥56 in eleven, ¥55 in three, and ¥54 in three. Each local council conducted its own survey and deliberation, referring to the guideline figures presented on July 28, 2026 by the Central Minimum Wages Council, an advisory body to the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare. Regional gaps narrowed as well: the lowest rate (¥1,085) is now 84.8% of the highest rate (¥1,280), up from 83.4% last year — the 12th consecutive year of improvement. These figures are recommendations, not final rates. After an objection procedure for labour and management at each Prefectural Labour Bureau, the Bureau Director makes the decision, and the revised rates are scheduled to take effect on a rolling basis between October 1 and December 2, 2026.

👥 Who is affected?

• ●Everyone working in Japan, regardless of nationality or residence status
• ●International students and dependents working part-time under a "permission to engage in activity other than that permitted"
• ●Workers on employment-based statuses such as Specified Skilled Worker, Employment for Skill Development, or Technical Intern Training
• ●Part-timers, temporary staff, dispatched workers and contract employees paid by the hour
• ●Anyone whose current hourly wage will fall below the revised rate

🌏 Impact on foreign residents

Minimum wage law covers everyone working in Japan, regardless of nationality or residence status. That includes international students doing part-time work under permission for activity outside their status (generally up to 28 hours a week) as well as people on Specified Skilled Worker or Technical Intern Training statuses. If the recommended rates take effect as proposed, hourly pay rises by ¥56 on the national average — roughly ¥4,800 more per month for someone working 20 hours a week, or about ¥6,800 for 28 hours a week. Two points deserve attention. First, the amount differs by prefecture, and the rate that applies is the one for the place where your workplace is located — not where you live. Second, the effective dates are staggered between October 1 and December 2, so wages do not rise nationwide on the same day; check the date for your own prefecture. If your hourly wage is still below the minimum after the new rate takes effect, the shortfall is legally payable to you. Keep your pay slips and consult the Prefectural Labour Bureau or the Labour Standards Inspection Office covering your workplace.