#Japan #Tokyo #Wage Growth #HRog #Employment Types

Overview of Wage Growth Trends in Japan for September 2025

In September 2025, a comprehensive analysis conducted by Frog Inc., based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, shed light on the wage growth rates across various employment categories, including part-time, temporary, and full-time positions. This analysis is driven by an increasing focus on understanding wage trends in relation to changing economic conditions.

Key Highlights from the Report

On September 5, 2025, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced the 'Minimum Wage Recommendation for the Fiscal Year 2025', establishing a national weighted average wage of ¥1,121, marking the largest increase since the introduction of the wage guideline system in 1978 with a raise of ¥66. This adjustment sets the stage for examining how wages vary across different regions and employment types, based on data collected from notable job platforms.

The analysis covers wages in three categories: part-time jobs, temporary staffing, and full-time positions, compiled from sources like 'Indeed', 'Baitoru', 'Mynavi Baito' for part-time jobs, while temporary positions were analyzed using 'Hatarako.net' and 'En Haken'. Full-time jobs data was collated from 'Doda', 'Type', 'En Tenshoku', and 'Mynavi Tenshoku'.

The report noted distinct differences in wage growth rates based on employment type:

• - Part-time jobs: -3.94% to +2.26%
• - Temporary jobs: -0.72% to +3.37%
• - Full-time jobs: -0.80% to +1.05%

Regional Winners and Losers

Part-time Jobs

In the realm of part-time jobs, Toyama Prefecture led the rankings with an increase of 2.26% compared to the previous month, amounting to an increase of ¥29. In contrast, Mie Prefecture faced the steepest decline, with wages decreasing by 3.94%, which equates to a drop of ¥51. The top three regions for part-time wage growth were:
1. Toyama (+2.26% - ¥29)
2. Shimane (+0.96% - ¥11)
3. Niigata (+0.91% - ¥11)

Temporary Jobs

For temporary job positions, Nagasaki Prefecture achieved the highest increase at 3.37%, with a rise of ¥41 in wages this month, closely followed by Gunma and Kagoshima. The regions facing drops in temporary wages included Ehime (-0.58%), Iwate (-0.63%), and Fukushima (-0.72%).

Key highlights for temporary job growth included:
1. Nagasaki (+3.37% - ¥41)
2. Gunma (+3.24% - ¥44)
3. Kagoshima (+2.93% - ¥36)

Full-time Jobs

In the category of full-time positions, Okinawa topped the list, recording an increase of 1.05% or a rise of ¥2,745, indicating significant wage flexibility and growth in that region. On the other hand, Kochi Prefecture experienced the most significant drop in full-time salaries at 0.80%, totaling a decrease of ¥1,952. Romanticized comparisons of wage trends revealed:
1. Okinawa (+1.05% - ¥2,745)
2. Mie (+0.82% - ¥2,073)
3. Shiga (+0.73% - ¥1,872)

Comparative Analysis of Wage Trends Over the Past Year

The year-to-year analysis for Toyama and Mie highlights stark contrasts; while Toyama's average hourly wage has stabilized since April 2025, Mie's fluctuated significantly, ultimately leading to a decline in September 2025. Meanwhile, Nagasaki's growth in temporary wages is attributed significantly to new postings in the semiconductor sector, indicating that industry demands directly correlate with regional wage increases. Conversely, Fukushima's stability reflects broader economic stagnation.

Conclusion

The wage growth rates reveal unique regional dynamics that merit deeper investigation. As contracted employment types show varying patterns of growth, stakeholders across industries can glean actionable insights from this analysis. Understanding these trends is crucial for job seekers, employers, and policymakers as they navigate the evolving labor market landscape.

Frog Inc. continues to gather and analyze job market data, utilizing over 40 billion job listings from across Japan, facilitating informed decisions for various industry stakeholders. The deep-rooted insights derived from this data are invaluable not only for recruitment and employment strategies but also for understanding the overall economic climate. For further inquiries, please visit Frog's website or contact their sales department for specialized data needs.