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Tokyo Firms Boost Wages Amid Labor Shortages, Union Talks

3/18/2026

43 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

In Tokyo, major companies will announce wage increases after annual talks with unions, marking four consecutive years of momentum.
Labor shortages and concerns about the Middle East conflict are driving larger raises to retain workers.
Mitsubishi Motors finalized a 5.1% pay hike and completed negotiations early.
Japan Trade Union Confederation (Rengo) seeks an average 5.94%, slightly below last year's demand that yielded 5.25%.

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Story summary

In Tokyo, major companies will announce wage increases after annual talks with unions, marking four consecutive years of momentum.
Labor shortages and concerns about the Middle East conflict are driving larger raises to retain workers.
Mitsubishi Motors finalized a 5.1% pay hike and completed negotiations early.
Japan Trade Union Confederation (Rengo) seeks an average 5.94%, slightly below last year's demand that yielded 5.25%.