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GUIDE · MINIMUM WAGE

Minimum wage in Japan

最低賃金のしくみSaitei chingin — set by prefecture, revised every year

Japan has a minimum wage for each prefecture, and it rises almost every autumn. Here is how it works — and how it connects to wage-raise grants.

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Updated October 26, 2026 · Checked against the official site by our editors

Set by

Prefecture

One regional rate each

Revised

Yearly

Usually from around October

Applies to

All

Part-timers and students too

Penalty

¥500K

Fine of up to

How it works

  • Each prefecture has a regional minimum wage, revised every year
  • Some industries also have a specified minimum wage — pay the higher of the two
  • It applies to every worker in the prefecture, whatever they are called: part-timer, arbeit, temporary or contract
  • Contract terms below the minimum are void and replaced by the minimum
  • Paying below the regional minimum can lead to a fine of up to ¥500,000

Check the current amount for your prefecture in the official minimum wage table.

Monthly and daily pay

The minimum wage is an hourly rate, but it also applies to monthly or daily pay: convert the pay to an hourly amount (excluding items such as overtime pay, commuting and family allowances) and compare it with the minimum.

Wage raises and grants

The Work Improvement Grant supports small businesses that raise their lowest wage and invest in productivity. Its timing is tied to each year’s minimum wage revision, so plan raises early.

FAQ

Does Japan have one national minimum wage?

No. Each prefecture has its own regional minimum wage, revised every year, and some industries have higher specified minimum wages.

Does the minimum wage apply to part-time workers in Japan?

Yes. It applies to every worker regardless of how they are employed or what they are called.

What is the penalty for paying below minimum wage in Japan?

A fine of up to ¥500,000 for paying below the regional minimum wage, plus paying the difference.

Sources

This page is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. The official Japanese guidelines always take priority.

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