Central Council debating the new wage benchmark
On July 23, 2025, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare held the 4th subcommittee on benchmarks of the Central Minimum Wage Council, debating the FY2026 (令和8年度) hike. Japan reviews its minimum wage annually: this council sets a national benchmark range, and each prefecture then fixes its own regional rate, usually effective from around October. Amid rising prices, recent years have seen large increases, and another rise is expected for FY2026.
A higher minimum wage can boost the income of hourly-paid foreign workers, especially students (capped at 28 hours/week) and non-regular staff. On the flip side, employers may cut shifts or slow hiring to offset higher labor costs. Always check the regional minimum wage of the prefecture where you actually work and confirm your hourly pay is not below it. The rate that applies is that of your workplace location, not the company's head office.
Promulgated April 28, 2026, effective October 1, 2026. Japan's "equal pay for equal work" rules now spell out bonuses, retirement, family and housing allowances — and employers must state at hiring that you can request an explanation of treatment gaps.
Procedures for EPA Certified Care Worker candidates who qualified for the exam and returned home. Online applications for the 39th exam run July 22 – Sept 2, 2026 (fee ¥20,510). The exam is held in Japan on Jan 31, 2027, with results announced March 23, 2027.
From April 2026, part-timers working 20+ hours/week at companies with 51+ employees must join social insurance (health insurance + pension).