Rising Wages in Ehime's Ozu City Forecasted to Reach ¥1,500 by 2030

Recent trends show a remarkable rise in average hiring rates across Japan, with a focus on the Ehime region. A new report from Frog Inc., headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, highlights that Ozu City, Ehime, is experiencing a significant increase in average hiring wages, projected to rise by 8.66% per year, ultimately reaching ¥1,500 by the year 2030. This forecast aligns with the Japanese government's goal to uplift the national minimum wage to ¥1,500 within the decade.

Overview of the Situation

Frog Inc. has published the rankings of municipalities in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions that are closest to achieving the ¥1,500 hourly wage. The data was gathered from various job advertising platforms, providing extensive insights into hiring trends amid the ongoing national minimum wage adjustments.

As we look at the trends, the national weighted average increase in minimum wage has also risen, showing an upward trajectory. In 2024, the average rises by 5.08% compared to the previous year, bringing the nationwide average up to ¥1,055. However, to reach the target of ¥1,500 by 2029, an annual increase of 8% or more is essential.

In the Chugoku and Shikoku regions, the minimum wage adjustments have varied, with increases ranging from ¥50 to ¥84. Notably, Hiroshima Prefecture will be the first in the region to surpass the ¥1,000 mark, while Tokushima has made the most significant increase at ¥84.

Analyzing Hiring Wage Trends

From March 2022 through March 2025, the hiring wage trends in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions show an evident upward rate, approximately 2% annually. The data shows an increase from ¥952 to ¥1,075 over the three-year span, which includes a rise of ¥123 or 12.92%. Still, to reach the ¥1,500 target, an additional ¥425 needs to be added, with the current growth hitting only about 4.5% per year.

Focusing on municipalities nearing the ¥1,500 wage mark reveals that the city of Hiroshima stands at the lead with a March 2025 hiring wage of ¥1,139.

Ozu City's growth trajectory defines its status in this rising trend. As of March 2025, Ozu City’s average hourly wage sits at ¥1,079, needing to rise by ¥421, or roughly 39.02%, to meet the target wage of ¥1,500. If this trend of approximately 8.5% growth continues, Ozu is slated to hit this goal by 2030.

Job Market Insights in Ozu City

Looking closer at Ozu City’s job market encourages further analysis. The average hourly wage increase for March 2025 indicates a robust rise in recruitment and wage offerings. Job postings reaching higher ranges have become more common, especially with activities correlating to seasonal demands.

The latest data also indicates how shifting labor requirements by employers aim to secure adequate staffing through competitive wage offerings during peak seasons, reflecting the market adaptation to current economic conditions.

Moreover, the rise in available job postings in the ¥1,200 range speaks to the strategic adjustments employers are willing to implement for better staffing situations during peak times, referring specifically to offers by major local companies.

Conclusion

In summary, as revealed by the generated reports through job advertisement databases, Ozu City in Ehime is highly anticipated to make strides toward the ¥1,500 wage mark within the next decade. The increasing average wages driven by minimum wage changes not only provide clearer insights into local economic health but also indicate strategic responses from local businesses aiming to attract and retain talent. This data reinforces the necessary adjustments in wage structures across regions and highlights future trends within the labor market in Japan.

Through the comprehensive analysis from Frog Inc., stakeholders involved in market strategies and employment can utilize this information for enhanced operational prospects and hiring methods in the future.