All eight prefectures in Kyushu and Okinawa have announced record-high minimum wage increases for FY2025 amid rising living costs and labor shortages. Kumamoto leads with an ¥82 hike to ¥1,034 per hour—the largest in Japan. Fukuoka’s new rate of ¥1,057 per hour ranks 20th nationwide, a drop of one position from last year. Despite exceeding national benchmarks, regional wage levels remain low compared to other parts of Japan, intensifying the challenge of retaining workers. Source: NHK
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