Akita Prefecture Announces Minimum Wage Increase to 1,090 Yen per Hour

The Akita Labour Bureau announced on September 14, 2026, the decision to revise the Akita Prefecture Minimum Wage, increasing it from 1,031 yen per hour to 1,090 yen per hour. This revision is based on the provisions of Article 12 of the Minimum Wage Act (Act No. 137 of 1959) and was published as Akita Labour Bureau Minimum Wage Public Notice No. 1 in accordance with the provisions of Article 14, Paragraph 1 of the same Act.

This revision partially amends the Akita Prefecture Minimum Wage, which was originally established in 1980 as Akita Labour Standards Bureau Minimum Wage Public Notice No. 1, specifically changing “1,031 yen per hour” in Item 4 to “1,090 yen per hour.” The public notice was issued on September 14, 2026, under the name of Yuko Chiba, Director of the Akita Labour Bureau.

Increase Amount and Scope of Application

With this increase, the minimum hourly wage for all workers in Akita Prefecture will be raised by 59 yen per hour. This minimum wage applies directly to all workers employed at business establishments within the prefecture and to all employers who employ them.

• Before Revision: 1,031 yen per hour
• After Revision: 1,090 yen per hour
• Increase Amount: 59 yen per hour
• Date of Public Notice: September 14, 2026

Legal Basis and Procedures

This revision was carried out in accordance with the public notice procedures based on the Minimum Wage Act. Article 12 of the Act establishes the basis for the determination and revision of the minimum wage, and Article 14, Paragraph 1 stipulates the obligation to publicly notify the determined minimum wage.

• Governing Law: Minimum Wage Act (Act No. 137 of 1959)
• Public Notice Number: Akita Labour Bureau Minimum Wage Public Notice No. 1
• Issuing Agency: Akita Labour Bureau
• Issuer: Yuko Chiba, Director of the Akita Labour Bureau

Impact on the Regional Economy

While the increase in the minimum wage contributes to improving the standard of living for low-wage workers in the prefecture, it also brings an increase in labor costs for employers, primarily small and medium-sized enterprises. As a public notice that widely affects the regional economy and employment environment of Akita Prefecture, both business operators and workers within the prefecture are required to adapt to the new wage level.

Source: Official Gazette (Kanpō) dated September 14, 2026, Akita Labour Bureau Minimum Wage Public Notice No. 1 “Public Notice Regarding the Decision to Revise the Minimum Wage” (based on Articles 12 and 14, Paragraph 1 of the Minimum Wage Act).