Japan sets 2026 minimum wage at 1,176 yen, urging stricter labor hour rules

Guidelines for the fiscal 2026 (Reiwa 8) regional minimum‑wage revisions were released, setting the national average at 1,176 yen per hour – a 55‑yen (4.9%) increase from the current 1,121 yen. Tokyo and its surrounding metropolitan area will see the highest rate at 1,226 yen, while 13 prefectures including Okinawa, Kochi and Miyazaki will have a rate of 1,023 yen. The figures will be debated by local minimum‑wage councils in each prefecture.

The Japanese Trade Union Confederation (RENGO) used the occasion to ask the National Federation of Social Insurance Labor Consultants to cooperate in enforcing strict responses to any proposed relaxation of working‑hour regulations. RENGO highlighted record numbers of overwork‑related injury claims and deaths, urging the government to prioritize safe working hours over productivity‑driven deregulation.

Commentary stresses that despite the raise, regional wage gaps remain large, especially between Tokyo and rural areas, and calls for continued wage growth to support low‑income workers and curb youth out‑migration.