The Bank of Japan announced that wage hikes were becoming more widespread across the economy due to tight labor market conditions, indicating confidence in the country’s progress toward achieving its 2% inflation target. This optimistic outlook was presented at the BOJ’s quarterly meeting of regional branch managers on Monday, suggesting that the central bank may consider raising interest rates at its upcoming meeting on July 30-31.
Recent data showed that Japanese workers experienced a 2.5% increase in their average base pay in May, marking the fastest growth rate in 31 years. This rise in wages suggests that households will have greater purchasing power, potentially boosting consumption. The BOJ noted in a summary of the branch managers’ meeting discussions that many regions reported large firms’ significant pay hikes in this year’s wage negotiations were extending to small and medium-sized companies.
This positive assessment contrasts with the previous meeting in April, where the BOJ mentioned “hopeful signs” that substantial wage increases among large companies might eventually spread to smaller firms. Some smaller regional firms have chosen to prioritize raising pay to retain or attract workers, even if it means operating with insufficient profits. This decision highlights the impact of Japan’s shrinking working-age population, which is exacerbating a chronic labor shortage.
In addition to wage increases, many regions observed companies passing on rising costs, particularly in the services industry. Kazushige Kamiyama, the BOJ’s Osaka branch manager, who oversees the Kansai western Japan region, noted that wage increases were not limited to large firms but were also seen among smaller ones. He mentioned that for companies, higher wages translate to higher costs, and some have begun to pass on these costs by raising service prices, as stated during a news conference.
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