Short answer
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced FY2026 regional minimum wages with a national weighted average of ¥1,177 an hour, up ¥56 (5.0%). Tokyo is highest at ¥1,280 and Miyazaki lowest at ¥1,085. Rates take effect prefecture by prefecture between October 1 and December 2, 2026, so check your prefecture's start date.
Reported by Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (厚生労働省), Sep 3, 2026
“令和8年度 地域別最低賃金 全国一覧”
Read the original report at Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (厚生労働省)
What changed
Each prefecture’s minimum hourly wage (地域別最低賃金) has been revised. Examples from the ministry’s table, with the old rate in brackets:
| Prefecture | New rate | Old rate | Takes effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | ¥1,280 | ¥1,226 | Oct 1, 2026 |
| Kanagawa | ¥1,279 | ¥1,225 | Oct 1, 2026 |
| Osaka | ¥1,231 | ¥1,177 | Oct 1, 2026 |
| Aichi | ¥1,195 | ¥1,140 | Oct 1, 2026 |
| Kyoto | ¥1,180 | ¥1,122 | Nov 16, 2026 |
| Fukuoka | ¥1,114 | ¥1,057 | Oct 4, 2026 |
| Miyazaki (lowest) | ¥1,085 | ¥1,023 | Oct 24, 2026 |
The national weighted average is ¥1,177, up ¥56 or 5.0% from ¥1,121. Start dates run from October 1 to December 2, 2026, so some prefectures, such as Kyoto, have not switched yet.
Who is affected
Anyone paid by the hour or by a monthly salary that works out below the new rate in their prefecture. Our guide explains how to convert a monthly salary to an hourly rate and what does not count toward the minimum.
What to check
Look up your prefecture’s rate and its start date, then compare it with your payslip. If you are paid less, the labour standards inspection office (労働基準監督署) handles complaints. This is information, not individual advice.
Facts checked against the sources below on Nov 3, 2026. Rules can change: confirm with the Immigration Services Agency or your city office before acting.
Sources
- 令和8年度 地域別最低賃金 全国一覧, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (厚生労働省) (accessed Nov 3, 2026)
- 令和8年度の地域別最低賃金 全都道府県が答申 33府県で目安超え 全国平均は時給1,177円に, Kaiketsu-J (accessed Nov 3, 2026)