After decades of stagnation, wages in Japan are finally rising

For too long, Japan was stuck in a cycle of diminishing wages, unable to break out of a wage stagnation that lasted decades. But, finally, things are beginning to change. Wages in Japan are starting to go up, offering more people a chance at financial security and stability.

1. Japan’s Wages Increased After Years of Inaction

It was a long time coming, but Japan recently saw its first significant increase in base wages in nearly a decade. The issue had become increasingly pressing in the eyes of many, as the labor market had stalled in recent years and the cost of living had slowly eaten away at the purchasing power of the average salary. The increase of the base salary is a constructive move forward for the country, but it remains to be seen if it will be enough to give the economy the jumpstart it needs.

The uphill battle of wages in Japan has been largely due to an unwillingness to increase salaries, even as inflation has left salaries lagging behind the growing cost of living. Companies have often preferred to distribute performance-based bonuses rather than to increase salaries, which tended to leave many people needlessly behind the 8-ball. With the rise in base wages, Japanese citizens can finally look forward to a bit more security when it comes to their paycheck.

• The base salary increase is a positive step forward for the country’s citizens, who were left behind in recent years as inflation ate away at wages.
• Companies have preferred to distribute bonuses instead of increasing wages, leaving many people unable to keep up with growing costs of living.

2. Signs That High-Earning Years May Be Ahead

1. Small Wins: Success takes time and effort, but the first signs of success often begin to show in small ways. If you’re dedicated to your work and constantly striving to improve, you’ll likely start racking up small wins along the way. These wins may be large or small, but they’re indicators that you’re on the right track to greater success. Examples of small wins include incremental increases in sales, industry awards, additional investments in stock markets and other investments, or recognition from customers or peers.

2. Networking and New Opportunities: As high earners, it’s important to stay connected with people in your network. Networking can help with many aspects of success, such as creating new opportunities, gaining valuable advice, and sharing helpful resources. When you expand your network and establish yourself as a knowledgeable and respected individual in the industry, new opportunities can present themselves. Consider attending industry events or workshops, networking through social media sites or joining professional organizations to start building your network. Doing all of this could lead to high-earning potentials in the future.

3. Resistance to Change Holds the Economy Back

Humankind is hardwired to resist change, no matter how beneficial it may be to individuals or the economy. Unfortunately, when it comes to matters of our financial well-being, a stagnant attitude can be downright devastating. The undeniable truth is that without a willingness to move forward, the economy will suffer.

It’s almost comical how we can easily conceive of the advantages of change yet fall prey to inertia. Whether it be investors’ loathing for risk, workers’ refusal to advance their skills, business owners’ refusal to pivot or governments’ stubbornness in regards to budgeting and taxes, it all leads to stagnation. Some of these scenarios may seem self-serving, yet doesn’t the big picture get overlooked in their wake?

• Investors’ reluctance to embrace new opportunities can mean they miss out on what could be life-altering gains.
• Workers’ ignorance of up-to-date methods could mean they aren’t as attractive to employers.
• Business owners’ reticence to innovate could mean the market passes them by.
• Governments’ passivity may mean that citizens are denied what their money can truly accomplish.

Change brings with it a freshness that can inspire – and ultimately, lead to progress. To truly take charge of our destinies and make the most out of our economic health, we must understand this basic concept. We can’t be afraid of change, but must instead embrace it and face the possibilities that it brings.

4. The Future of Japan Lies in Wage Growth

The future of Japan’s economic prosperity hinges on wage growth. Continuing economic stagnation has forced Japan’s government to focus on wage increases as the key to unlocking its economic potential. The government recently announced a plan to raise the minimum wage and to reduce corporate taxes. These measures are intended to spur job creation, productivity, and wage growth in the coming years.

The potential for wage growth is substantial. Businesses that currently struggle to afford increasing wages could benefit immensely from an influx of new jobs and resulting revenue. Furthermore, higher wages could lead to more consumer spending, stimulating the economy further. But there are many other factors that will affect wage growth, including the value of the yen, the productivity of the workforce, and geopolitical considerations.

• Investment: Businesses need to invest and re-invest in new technologies and skills in order to increase wages
• Productivity: Japan needs to make improvements to its labor laws and productivity in order to increase wages
• Economic Growth: A higher GDP will lead to a greater demand for labor, allowing businesses to pay higher wages

The push to boost wages in Japan may have been a long time coming, but the effects of policy changes are now being seen. Finally, after years of winding and waning, workers in Japan are reaping the return of higher wages and more economic stability. As these new gains in wages continue to shape the country’s work life and enhance the lives of its people, the progress to a more stable future looks more and more promising.