Japan's Real Wages Rise 2.2% in September, Extending Gains to Nine Months

Nov 06, 2026 | News On Japan

TOKYO - Japan's inflation-adjusted wages rose 2.2% in September from a year earlier, marking the ninth consecutive month of growth and the longest sustained increase in about a decade, as slower price increases helped boost workers' purchasing power.

According to the Monthly Labour Survey released by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, real wages, which reflect changes in consumer prices, remained positive for nine straight months. It was the first time in approximately 10 years that increases had continued for at least nine months.

The improvement was largely attributed to a slowdown in inflation, supported by government subsidies for electricity and gas bills and falling rice prices, which helped ease the cost-of-living burden on households.

The figures suggest that moderating consumer price increases are allowing wage growth to translate into stronger purchasing power, providing some relief to households that have faced sustained pressure from rising living costs.

Source: テレ東BIZ

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