Japan's Hokkaido and Tokyo announce record minimum‑wage hikes for 2026

The Hokkaido prefectural government confirmed that the regional minimum wage will rise by 56 yen to 1,131 yen per hour, effective October 2026. Workers welcomed the increase, but some expressed concern that higher earnings could push them above tax and social‑insurance thresholds, forcing reductions in hours. Local business owners, such as Maruko Store president Satoshi Yamakawa, warned that the rise may exacerbate staffing shortages as employees seek to stay within dependent‑status income limits.

In Tokyo, the Local Minimum Wage Council approved a 54‑yen increase, bringing the city’s minimum wage to 1,280 yen per hour, also slated for October 2026. The change, the second‑largest since 2002, was supported by council president Atsuko Honda after debate between labor groups demanding a living‑wage level and business representatives citing rising operating costs. Both regions’ adjustments align with national recommendations for the 2026 fiscal year.