TOKYO - Japan's National Tax Agency announced on Friday that the average annual salary for private-sector employees in 2023 rose to 4.78 million yen, the highest level since the survey began, marking the fourth consecutive year of increases.
The figure represents an 180,000 yen rise from the previous year, but many workers say they have yet to feel the benefits as inflation continues to outpace wage growth.
In central Tokyo’s Shinjuku district, Odakyu Department Store held a one-day event offering a 10% discount on fresh foods such as domestic wagyu beef and seasonal Pacific saury from Hokkaido. The sale drew large crowds of shoppers eager to stretch their household budgets. “That 10% off really helps, especially when everything is so expensive,” said a woman in her 70s. Another shopper in her 50s said, “I ended up buying mostly fish today, including tuna. It was a bargain.”
On the streets, many voiced frustration that rising salaries are insufficient to offset higher costs of living. “Even though my annual income is going up each year, the level of comfort in daily life hasn’t really changed,” said a man in his 30s. A woman in her 40s noted, “I feel the pay raises are just not enough to match price increases. I’ve stopped buying expensive meat.” Others said they now rely on discounted products at supermarkets or cut back on dining out in favor of cooking at home.
Estimates suggest that households face an additional annual burden of roughly 87,000 yen due to higher prices. While the government highlights wage increases as a sign of progress, everyday consumers say their purchasing power remains under strain. One parent in their 40s expressed concern: “With children growing up, I want life to be easier and for them not to struggle. If things keep going this way, I really worry about the future.”
Source: TBS
