Japan Real Wages Fall for Record 25 Consecutive Months in April

TOKYO, Jun 05 (News On Japan) - The nominal wages received by Japan's workers in April increased by 2.1% compared to the same period last year, but real wages, which account for changes in prices, decreased by 0.7%. This marks the 25th consecutive month of decline in real wages, the longest on record.

According to the Monthly Labour Survey released by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the total cash earnings received by workers in April averaged 296,884 yen, an increase of 2.1% compared to the same month last year, marking the 28th consecutive month of growth.

Of this, the average scheduled cash earnings, which refers to base pay, was 264,503 yen, an increase of 2.3%, the highest growth rate since October 1994.

Meanwhile, the consumer price index rose by 2.9% compared to the same month last year, outpacing the growth in total cash earnings, resulting in a 0.7% decrease in real wages.

The decline in real wages has continued for 25 consecutive months, the longest period since comparable data became available in 1991.

The Ministry stated, 'The impact of the spring wage negotiations is evident to some extent, but wage increases still lag behind rising prices.'

Source: ANN

Shimadzu Unveils World's First Optical Lattice Clock

Shimadzu Corporation has launched the world's first optical lattice clock, which measures time using the oscillation frequency of atoms trapped by lasers. The clock boasts an unparalleled accuracy, with an error of just one second over 10 billion years.

Tohoku Shinkansen Cars Unexpectedly Detach

A Tohoku Shinkansen train came to an unexpected stop between Ueno and Omiya on March 6th after its coupled cars separated. The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. on the Hayabusa-Komachi No. 21 train.

Japan to Release Rice Reserves as Prices Surge Past 5,000 Yen for 5kg

Japan’s rice prices have been steadily climbing, with the cost of a 5-kilogram bag rising from 2,430 to 3,297 yen last year and further increasing to 3,949 yen this year, putting pressure on household budgets. To curb these rising prices, the government has decided to release its rice reserves.

Gunkanjima Faces Collapse Risk as Buildings Deteriorate

The historic buildings of Hashima Island, commonly known as Gunkanjima, are facing a risk of collapse due to ongoing deterioration, it was revealed on March 3rd. The island, part of the "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution," a UNESCO World Heritage site that marks its 10th anniversary this summer, has seen its structures degrade significantly over time.

Nara's Omizutori Fire Ritual Marks 1,274 Year

The annual Shunie ceremony, commonly known as Omizutori, has begun at Todai-ji Temple in Nara. Carrying large torches, attendants lit the way as monks, known as the Rengyoshu, slowly ascended the steps of Nigatsudo Hall.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Business NEWS

Scam Home Inspections Hit Record High in 2024

The number of cases involving fraudulent home inspection scams by unscrupulous renovation companies reached a record high in 2024, according to a report by the National Police Agency.

Sekisui House Ordered to Pay Y750 Million in Back Taxes

Sekisui House, a major homebuilder headquartered in Osaka, has been found to have underreported its tax obligations related to consumption tax deductions on payments to subcontractors.

Sumitomo Mitsui to leave global decarbonization group

Japan's Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group says it will leave an international group that fights climate change. It is the first Japanese company to do so. (NHK)

Japan Financial Services Agency (FSA) and PDT Partners Form Partnership

The Japan Financial Services Agency (FSA) and PDT Partners have officially signed an agreement, with Masaki Suzuki and an FSA representative jointly signing the deal. The partnership will focus on financial regulation, capital operations, technological innovation, and corporate social responsibility, aiming to enhance market transparency and drive internationalization.