Array
TOKYO —Japan’s real wages fell for a 21st straight month though at a slower pace, while household spending dropped for a tenth consecutive month, showing that inflation outpaced wage recovery and continued to weigh on consumer spending.
Japan’s wage trend, along with inflation, is closely watched, with the Bank of Japan regarding both indicators among the key data to consider in preparation for phasing out its massive stimulus policy.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has repeatedly called for business leaders to increase wages at spring labor negotiations to a level higher than last year’s to beat inflation.
