A union which represents roughly 2 million workers at major Japanese manufacturers, announced plans to demand a base pay increase of about 12,000 yen (~US$77/month) in 2026 — the same target as last year. This push signals continued union pressure for wage growth in Japan’s industrial sector, at a time when inflation and economic stagnation have eroded real incomes. It may influence broader wage negotiations nationwide.
See "Japan manufacturers' union to target $77 monthly base pay hike next year", Staff, Reuters, November 26, 2025