The Central Minimum Wages Council has set guidelines to raise the weighted average of Japan’s minimum hourly wage in fiscal 2022 by at least thirty yen, the largest increase ever. According to The Japan Times, the national weighted average will now stand at 961 yen, up 30 yen from the previous year. The national council, which includes representatives of labour and management and expert council members, conducted its final deliberations on July 25. The planned boost is designed to counter the weak yen, labour shortages in rural areas and soaring prices stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.