Hiroshima Prefecture Raises Minimum Wage to 1,141 Yen per Hour

The Hiroshima Labour Bureau, via Hiroshima Labour Bureau Minimum Wage Public Notice No. 1 dated September 11, 2026, has announced the decision to increase the Hiroshima Prefecture Minimum Wage from 1,085 yen to 1,141 yen per hour, an increase of 56 yen. This revision is a critical decision in living and employment policy that directly affects all workers and their employers within the prefecture, and it was published in the Official Gazette on the same date.

Legal Basis and Issuing Authority

This revision was determined based on the provisions of Article 12 of the Minimum Wage Act (Act No. 137 of 1959) and was publicized in accordance with the provisions of Article 14, Paragraph 1 of the same Act. The subject of this revision is the Hiroshima Prefecture Minimum Wage established by Hiroshima Labour Standards Bureau Minimum Wage Public Notice No. 1 of 1980, which is being partially amended.

The public notice was issued under the name of Shintaro Miyahara, Director of the Hiroshima Labour Bureau, and was published in the Official Gazette on September 11, 2026 (Reiwa 8). The content of the revision changes “1,085 yen per hour” in Public Notice No. 4 to “1,141 yen per hour,” resulting in an increase of 56 yen.

Details and Scope of the Increase

The new minimum wage applies to all workers employed at business establishments within Hiroshima Prefecture. Minimum wages are determined by prefecture to ensure a level that allows workers to lead a healthy and cultural life; this increase is expected to improve the income of low-wage workers within the prefecture.

The main changes are as follows:

• Minimum wage before revision: 1,085 yen per hour
• Minimum wage after revision: 1,141 yen per hour
• Amount of increase: 56 yen
• Issuing authority: Hiroshima Labour Bureau
• Public notice number: Hiroshima Labour Bureau Minimum Wage Public Notice No. 1
• Date of public notice: September 11, 2026 (Reiwa 8)

Impact on and Response by Employers

The increase in the minimum wage obligates business owners in Hiroshima Prefecture to raise the wages paid to employees to the new level or higher. Employing workers at a wage below the statutory minimum wage constitutes a violation of the Minimum Wage Act; therefore, business owners are required to take prompt action, such as reviewing wage structures and revising employment regulations.

On the other hand, for workers, it is guaranteed that their actual hourly wage will not fall below the new minimum wage, regardless of whether they are paid on an hourly, daily, or monthly basis. This is expected to improve the standard of living for low-income groups in the prefecture and stimulate consumer activity.

Future Outlook

The increase in Hiroshima Prefecture’s minimum wage aligns with the nationwide trend of raising minimum wages and is expected to have a certain impact on the regional economy and employment situation. Details of the public notice are published in the relevant issue of the Official Gazette, and business owners and workers are urged to confirm the new wage level and respond appropriately.

Source: Hiroshima Labour Bureau Minimum Wage Public Notice No. 1 (Dated September 11, 2026, published in the Official Gazette)—Decision to revise the minimum wage for Hiroshima Prefecture based on Article 12 and Article 14, Paragraph 1 of the Minimum Wage Act (Act No. 137 of 1959).