Gender Pay Gap Narrows to Record Low

TOKYO, Mar 18 (News On Japan) - The gender pay gap in Japan has reached its smallest level on record, as the average monthly salary for full-time workers posted its highest growth in 33 years, according to a survey by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

The survey, conducted last year, found that the average monthly salary for full-time employees rose 3.8% from the previous year to 330,400 yen, marking the fastest increase in over three decades.

Meanwhile, women's wages, when indexed to men's wages at 100, rose by 1.0 percentage point from the previous year to 75.8. Although a gap between male and female wages remains, the difference has now narrowed to its smallest level since comparable data became available in 1976.

The ministry attributed the improvement to an increase in the proportion of women in managerial positions compared to the previous year.

Source: TBS

Japan's Academics Demand Independence

Scholars affiliated with the Science Council of Japan formed a symbolic human chain in front of the National Diet building on May 8th, calling for revisions to the government’s proposed reform bill targeting the council’s structure, as deliberations enter their final phase in the Diet.

Inside Japan’s Failing Sewers

Across Japan, road collapses have been occurring with increasing frequency, often blamed on aging infrastructure. In one recent incident in Ashioshi, Saitama Prefecture, a truck was swallowed by a gaping sinkhole.

Two Men Arrested for Breaking Into Tokyo School

Two men who were arrested for forcibly entering an elementary school in Tachikawa City, Tokyo, and assaulting staff members have been identified as friends of a student's mother. One of the suspects denies the charges, claiming he was only brushing people off after being restrained.

Cherry Blossoms Reach Final Stage, Six Days Earlier Than Average

Cherry blossoms have begun to bloom in Wakkanai and Kushiro, marking the near completion of Japan's cherry blossom front for 2025.

Lack of Sleep After Golden Week May Signal Sleep Disorder, Experts Warn

As many in Japan returned to work or school on May 7th following the Golden Week holiday, a growing number are reporting post-holiday fatigue and sleep deprivation—conditions that experts warn may point to deeper sleep-related issues.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Business NEWS

Switch 2 to Boost Nintendo Earnings for Fiscal 2026

Nintendo has announced that it expects a significant boost in revenue for the fiscal year ending March 2026, projecting a 63.1% increase from the previous year to reach 1.9 trillion yen. The strong outlook is driven by the launch of the company’s new home gaming console, the Nintendo Switch 2, set for release in June.

SoftBank Signals Price Hike After Moves by Docomo and KDDI

As NTT Docomo and KDDI move to raise their mobile phone fees, SoftBank has also revealed it is considering a similar hike.

Turn to Japan as Tariff Pressure Mounts

As the U.S.-China trade tensions escalate, 151 companies from Shanghai gathered in Osaka for a business fair, with some shifting their focus to Japan by planning store openings and relocating their families.

Mitsubishi Motors to Source EVs from Taiwan’s Hon Hai

Mitsubishi Motors has announced that it will procure electric vehicles from Taiwan's Hon Hai Precision Industry, marking the first time a major Japanese automaker will receive EVs from the Taiwanese electronics manufacturing giant.

Kansai Electric to Build One of Japan's Largest Battery Storage Plants

Kansai Electric Power announced plans to construct one of Japan's largest battery storage facilities on the former site of the Tanagawa Power Station in Misaki Town, Osaka Prefecture, in an effort to stabilize the supply of renewable energy.

Rice Thefts Surge Across Japan

Police have launched a public awareness campaign to warn local rice farmers about rampant thefts driven by soaring prices.

Hokkaido to Build Japan's Silicon Valley by 2050

The newly established Hokkaido Valley Vision Council aims to create a 'Hokkaido version of Silicon Valley' by promoting development around next-generation semiconductor firm Rapidus and transforming the region from Tomakomai to Ishikari into a hub for advanced technology.

MUFG Bets on High Interest, Low Fees in New Online Bank

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group plans to establish a new online-only bank by the end of the next fiscal year, aiming to attract younger customers in an environment where interest-bearing deposits are gaining renewed importance.

< 2 3 4 5 >