Japan's real wages down for 20th month

TOKYO, Jan 10 (News On Japan) - Real wages for wokers in Japan decreased by 3% last November year-on-year, marking a continuous decline for 20 months.

While cash earnings have seen a continuous increase for 23 months, matching the longest record in history, the increase in wages has not kept up with the rise in prices.

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare conducts the "Monthly Labour Statistics Survey" targeting over 30,000 business establishments with five or more employees nationwide. The preliminary figures for November of last year have been released, showing that real wages, adjusted for price fluctuations, decreased by 3% compared to the same month of the previous year. This is the 20th consecutive month of negative real wage growth. The total amount of cash earnings, including basic salary and overtime pay, averaged 287,741 yen per person, a 0.2% increase from November of the previous year, continuing the positive trend for 23 months in a row. This 23-month streak of positive cash earnings is the longest since the period from January 1991 to November of the following year.

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare notes, "The continuation of positive cash earnings is the first in 31 years, and the momentum for wage increases, such as the impact of the spring wage offensive, continues to be strong. However, with the high level of price increases persisting and the continuation of negative real wages, we want to keep a close eye on the price situation going forward."

China Set to Lift Japanese Seafood Ban

The Japanese government and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have decided to enhance their monitoring system for the release of treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean, as efforts to resume seafood imports from Japan to China gain momentum.

Tohoku Shinkansen Unexpected Detaches at 315 km/h

The Tohoku Shinkansen came to a halt for five hours on Thursday due to an unexpected mid-journey separation of the linked Hayabusa and Komachi trains, 30 minutes after passing Furukawa Station with a total of 320 passengers on board.

Eruption Warning for Izu's Sumisu Island

The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued an eruption alert for Sumisu Island in the Izu Islands, following the detection of discolored water in July.

'Convenience Store of the Future' Launched with AI Cameras and Robots

Lawson and KDDI have teamed up to launch a 'convenience store of the future' that integrates the latest technology with communications, aiming to address labor shortages and enhance store operations.

Japanese boy attacked near school in China dies, consulate says

A ten-year-old boy who was attacked on his way to a Japanese school in southern China has died of his injuries. (NHK)

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Business NEWS

New Condominium Prices in Tokyo Exceed 100 Million Yen for Fourth Straight Month

The average price of a newly built condominium in Tokyo’s 23 wards has exceeded 100 million yen for the fourth consecutive month.

Why Onna Village Leads Japan's Growth in Land Prices

The village of Onna in Okinawa has recorded the highest land price increase in Japan, with prices for some areas rising by 29%. The average nationwide land price has increased by 1.4% for the third consecutive year, but the sharpest growth is seen in residential areas like Onna Village.

Japan's Land Prices Surge for 4th Straight Year

Land prices across Japan have been rising for four consecutive years, with North Kanto emerging as a key area of interest due to its favorable living conditions.

Sharp Unveils First EV With Extended Living Room

Sharp, a major home appliance manufacturer, has unveiled its first electric vehicle (EV) as part of its move into the electric vehicle market, with a five-seater 'extended livingroom' EV Sharp van.

What’s the Price of Golden Black Jack?

Gold is gaining increasing attention as a stable asset. Among the most eye-catching items at a gold exhibition held in a Sapporo department store are statues of the genius surgeon Black Jack and his assistant Pinoko, both made of gold.

Honda’s First Startup Launches Navigation Device for the Visually Impaired

There are approximately 2 million visually impaired individuals in Japan and 300 million worldwide. Due to their impaired vision, going out often comes with the risk of accidents. In response to this issue, Honda's first startup Asirase, led by CEO Chino, developed a navigation device called 'Ashirase' to assist visually impaired individuals in walking safely.

Japan's Restaurant Chains Seize Opportunities in China's Budget-Conscious Market

Japanese food businesses are intensifying their expansion efforts in China, where consumption has stagnated due to rising food prices. We investigate the factors driving these Japanese companies to accelerate their operations in the Chinese market.

Don Quijote Enters Low-Cost SIM Market

Pan Pacific International Holdings, the operator of Don Quijote, has announced its entry into the low-cost SIM card market. The company will offer plans starting at 770 yen per month for 3GB, using NTT Docomo’s network.

< 2 3 4 5 >