Revised Regional Minimum Wages for Fiscal 2001

On September 3, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) announced revised regional minimum wages for fiscal 2001. The average weighted minimum wage for the nation was 5,292 yen per day, a 36 yen increase over the previous year. The minimum hourly wage was 664 yen, a five yen increase. By percentage, the daily wage increased by 0.68% while the hourly wage increased by 0.76%.

The revised minimum wages were determined at regional minimum wage councils comprised of representatives from the government, employers, and labor at each of the 47 prefectures, and were based on guidelines presented by the central government's minimum wage council. The daily minimum wage was the highest in Osaka at 5,598 yen and lowest in Miyazaki at 4,828 yen. The minimum hourly wage was highest in Tokyo at 708 yen.

Minimum wages in Japan are set by region and by industry. Because of the recent recession, raises in minimum wages have been extremely small.