Minimum wage rises in at least 17 prefectures to exceed central recommendations

Easing competition among prefectures is attributed to the central government effectively postponing its goal of raising the average minimum wage to ¥1,500 this decade.

In numerous EU capitals, rent prices outstrip the minimum wage, significantly impacting low-income earners. Cities like Prague and Lisbon record the highest rent-to-income ratios, especially for two-bedroom apartments. Other capitals also indicate rental costs above the gross monthly minimum wage. However, Brussels and