According to the FY2026 (Reiwa 8) regional minimum wage publication proposal announced by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the nationwide weighted average hourly wage has reached ¥1,177. This is an increase of ¥56 from ¥1,121 in the previous year. The revised minimum wages will take effect sequentially across prefectures between October 1 and December 2, 2026.
This minimum wage increase directly impacts the income and employment conditions of international students and Working Holiday participants working part-time, as well as all foreign residents employed by companies in Japan.
Regional Minimum Wages: Tokyo Reaches National High of ¥1,280
By region, hourly wage increases were larger primarily in major metropolitan areas.
- Tokyo: ¥1,280 (effective October 1)
- Kanagawa Prefecture: ¥1,279 (effective October 1)
- Osaka Prefecture: ¥1,231 (effective October 1)
- Miyazaki Prefecture: ¥1,085 (scheduled to take effect October 24, lowest nationwide)
The gap between Tokyo (the highest in the country) and Miyazaki Prefecture (the lowest) stands at ¥195. Depending on each local government's schedule, the new wages will be applied to workplaces sequentially between early October and early December.
Applies to All Workers Regardless of Nationality or Visa Status
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The revised minimum wage legally applies to all workers in Japan, regardless of nationality, visa type, or employment status.
- International Student Part-Timers: The hourly wage for international students working under permission to engage in activity other than that permitted under the status of residence must also meet or exceed the regional minimum wage after the effective date.
- Working Holiday Participants: Even short-term part-time or internship-style employment receives the same legal minimum wage protection.
- Specified Skilled Worker and Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visas: Full-time and contract professional staff must also be paid in compliance with the local standards.
Employers must strictly comply with the revised minimum wage standards, and paying wages below these levels can lead to legal penalties.
How Monthly Salaried Workers Can Calculate Hourly Wages
Even workers under monthly salary contracts must satisfy the minimum wage legal requirements. For monthly salaried workers, net base pay—excluding allowances—must be divided by the average prescribed monthly working hours to convert it into an hourly rate, which should then be checked against the minimum wage of the work location.
Workers are advised to check their pay stubs received from October onward to ensure their calculated hourly rate does not fall below the revised minimum wage for their region.
Tools: Internet Finder
Source: 厚生労働省