Japan’s Minimum Wages by Prefecture (2024)

Japan sets a minimum hourly wage for each of its prefectures, ensuring workers are paid a fair amount. These rates are updated regularly, and for 2024, they show increases across the board.

For instance, if you’re looking to work in Tokyo, the minimum hourly wage is 1,163 yen, effective from October 1, 2024. Osaka also has a higher rate at 1,114 yen, also starting October 1. Similarly, Aichi prefecture’s minimum wage is 1,077 yen, and Saitama is 1,078 yen, both effective from October 1.

Other prefectures have slightly different rates. For example, Hokkaido‘s minimum wage is 1,010 yen, Fukuoka is 992 yen, and Kyoto is 1,058 yen, all effective from October 1. Many other prefectures, like Aomori, Iwate, Akita, Kagoshima, and Okinawa, have minimum hourly wages around 951 to 953 yen, with their effective dates varying throughout October and November 2024.

The nationwide average minimum wage in Japan is 1,055 yen per hour, reflecting a 5.1% increase. Keep in mind that these rates are the lowest an employer can legally pay you. The specific effective date for each prefecture’s new wage can also vary, mostly falling in October 2024.