Japan's PM Pushes for Wage Hikes: A Bold Economic Move

Have you ever wondered how Japan balances the needs of its workers with the demands of a modern economy? On December 25, 2001, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made headlines with a powerful request that could shape the financial future for countless Japanese workers. Speaking at a meeting of the influential 経団連 (Keidanren), Japan's Business Federation, she called for a significant ベースアップ (bēsu appu), or base pay increase, during the 2026 spring wage negotiations. This wasn’t just about bigger paychecks—it was a plea to outpace rising prices and secure economic stability for everyday people. Let’s dive into what this means for Japan and how you can learn authentic Japanese from this real-world event.

Prime Minister Takaichi’s Call to Action

At the heart of Prime Minister Takaichi’s speech was a vision for a stronger, more stable economy. She urged business leaders to prioritize 賃上げ (chingin age), meaning wage increases, to help workers keep up with 物価上昇 (bukka jōshō), or inflation. Her strategy goes beyond just asking for raises—she emphasized creating an environment where sustained wage growth is possible とともに (to tomo ni), together with boosting tax revenue without hiking tax rates. This dual approach aims for 景気回復 (keiki kaifuku), economic recovery, ensuring that Japanese families aren’t left struggling as living costs climb. Her formal 要請 (yōsei), or request, to the business federation signals a critical moment for Japan’s workforce.

Cultural Context: Understanding Japan’s Wage System

If you’re new to Japan’s economic landscape, terms like 経団連 (Keidanren) and 春闘 (shuntō) might sound unfamiliar, but they’re key to understanding this story. 経団連 (Keidanren) isn’t just a business group—it’s a powerhouse representing Japan’s biggest companies, often shaping national policies on wages and working conditions. Meanwhile, 春闘 (shuntō), literally “spring struggle,” refers to the annual spring wage negotiations between labor unions and employers. This system reflects Japan’s deep-rooted value of harmony, striving for fairness between businesses andtriad and individual workers. Events like Takaichi’s speech at 経団連 (Keidanren) show how interconnected Japan’s corporate and labor worlds are, and learning these concepts gives you a window into the collective spirit that defines Japanese society.

Learn Japanese from This Article

Let’s turn this news into a learning opportunity! Below, you’ll find key vocabulary from the article, along with grammar patterns and expressions that will help you speak and think like a native Japanese speaker.

Key Vocabulary

Grammar Spotlight

1. 〜とともに (to tomo ni): Together with, while also

This structure is used to show two actions or states happening simultaneously or in coordination. It’s often used in formal or written contexts, like speeches or news articles.

• Structure: Noun/Verb (dictionary form) + とともに
• Examples:
  • 経済成長とともに、賃上げが必要です。 (Keizai seichō to tomo ni, chingin age ga hitsuyō desu.) Together with economic growth, wage increases are necessary.
  • 物価上昇とともに、生活が苦しくなっています。 (Bukka jōshō to tomo ni, seikatsu ga kurushiku natteimasu.) Along with rising prices, life is becoming harder.
• When to Use: Use this to connect two related ideas or actions happening at the same time, especially in formal discussions about policy or trends.

2. 〜ないで (naide): Without doing ~

This negative form is used to express “without doing something,” often implying that not doing the action has a specific result or consequence.

• Structure: Verb (negative stem) + ないで
• Examples:
  • 税金を上げないで、収入を増やす方法を考えます。 (Zeikin o agenaide, shūnyū o fuyasu hōhō o kangaemasu.) Without raising taxes, we will think of ways to increase revenue.
  • 準備をしないで、会議に行かないでください。 (Junbi o shinaide, kaigi ni ikanaide kudasai.) Please don’t go to the meeting without preparing.
• When to Use: Use this to advise or describe avoiding an action while doing something else, often in requests or instructions.

Useful Expression

• 要請する (yōsei suru): To request or demand (formally) This is a polite and formal way to ask for something, often used in official or business contexts. Example: 政府は企業に賃上げを要請しました。 (Seifu wa kigyō ni chingin age o yōsei shimashita.) The government requested companies to increase wages.

Continue Learning

Want to dive deeper into authentic Japanese? Check out these lessons to build your skills:

• Greetings and Self-Introductions: Authentic Entry Phrases: Curious about the Japanese used here? Our Greetings and Self-Introductions: Authentic Entry Phrases lesson covers this in depth.
• Numbers and Counters: Contextual Counting Systems: To understand more about numbers, explore our Numbers and Counters: Contextual Counting Systems lesson.

これからもよろしくお願いします。 Kore kara mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.