Japan’s largest labor federation, Rengo, reported that many companies agreed to significant wage increases during annual spring negotiations, marking one of the strongest rounds of pay hikes in years. The raises are aimed at helping workers cope with inflation and boosting domestic consumption. The results suggest growing momentum for labor in Japan after decades of relatively stagnant wages.
See "Japan’s key labor union wins wage hike topping 5% for third year", Erica Yokoyama and Akemi Terukina, Japan Times, March 23, 2026