At a New Year event in Tokyo, Japanese business leaders expressed optimism about continuing wage increases in this year's spring labor negotiations. Many aim to match or exceed last year's average of 5.39% at major firms. Extending gains to small and midsize companies remains a key challenge.
On January 7, 2026, a New Year event in Tokyo organized by Keidanren, the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Keizai Doyukai brought together business leaders who voiced strong support for ongoing wage hikes. FamilyMart President Kensuke Hosomi stated, "We want to surpass last year's level" in the upcoming shuntō spring wage negotiations. Itochu President Keita Ishii highlighted the need to elevate wages to attract talent, saying, "We need to make Japan an ideal choice for foreign talent."
Last year, major Japanese companies achieved an average wage increase of 5.39%, marking the second consecutive year above 5%, according to a Keidanren tally. The challenge now is to broaden these gains beyond large firms. Fujitsu President Takahito Tokita noted, "The (Japanese) economy will not be able to survive without small and midsize companies."
Keidanren Chairman Yoshinobu Tsutsui told reporters, "We will aim to further establish (the momentum for wage increases)." Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry head Ken Kobayashi emphasized that small and midsize firms have a strong desire for raises and urged the government and Bank of Japan to "defeat inflation." Keizai Doyukai Chairman Akio Yamaguchi suggested combining evolving AI with robots to create high added value, advocating productivity gains to support wages and investment growth.
These statements reflect efforts to sustain economic momentum amid inflation pressures.