"マクロスコープ：生活賃金の導入、日本企業に広がる　最賃では「暮らせない」," 3 October 2025

[Unofficial description by Business & Human Rights Resource Centre]

A growing number of Japanese companies are beginning to commit to paying a “living wage”, which exceeds the statutory minimum wage.
Companies are using the initiative both to demonstrate improved working conditions and strengthen their ability to attract talent, while also aiming to enhance their reputation among ESG-focused investors who prioritise respect for human rights.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) defines a living wage as “the wage level that is necessary to afford a decent standard of living for workers and their families.” Unlike the legally mandated minimum wage, the living wage is voluntarily introduced by companies. The ILO has stressed the importance of ensuring a gradual increase from minimum wages towards living wages.

Amid record-high inflation in many developed countries, major Japanese companies such as Ajinomoto, Morinaga, and Fast Retailing have begun to refer to living wages.